Post Operative Instructions Nasal & Sinus Surgery

Post-operative care for turbinate surgery focuses on preventing bleeding and managing congestion. Key instructions include keeping the head elevated, using saline nasal rinses 3-4 times daily, and avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or nose blowing for 1-2 weeks. Expect temporary nasal obstruction, bloody discharge, and crusting for 1-2 weeks

Going Home: Arrange transport home from hospital. You cannot drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
Activity: Rest with the head elevated for 48-72 hours. Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, straining. Strenuous activity is not recommended for the first two weeks.
Nasal Care: There should be no swelling of the outside of the nose or bruising around the nose. The nose will have a blood stained discharge for at least a week following surgery. The nostrils may be cleaned with cotton buds and hydrogen peroxide. For lubrication use Vaseline or Kenacomb ointment twice daily.
Do not blow the nose for the first week. Use irrigation to clear secretions. There should be no swelling of the outside of the nose or bruising around the nose.
The nose may be blocked for some days following surgery. FLO irrigation will be provided to you preoperatively. Use this as instructed for at least five days. You will be instructed on this in hospital.
Pain & Medication. Painkillers may be necessary. Paracetamol or Paracetamol with codeine are usually insufficient. Ibuprofen can be used. Avoid aspirin. Your Anaesthetist may organise for you have stronger pain killers such Oxycodone if necessary.
An oral antibiotic should be taken as directed until the course is complete if advised by Dr Kelly. (Not necessary in every case)
Environment: Avoid smoking, dusty environments, and people with colds
When to contact your doctor or seek emergency care: If the nose bleeds squeeze the nostrils. If bleeding stops within half an hour no further action is needed. If bleeding persists, only go to the emergency department of the hospital where your operation was performed, and they will contact Dr Kelly. Neither your GP or other hospitals will be able to manage the problem.
For any emergencies, please call the on call ENT Specialist on 0499330021