Nasal Surgery

Discharge Information: Post Nasal Surgery

Dear Patient/Carer:

Please read this document carefully as it contains important information that complements the
instructions given by your MEG ENT Specialist during your recent surgical admission.

Medications:

• • Pain Management:
    • You should receive analgesics and instructions from your surgeon or ENT specialist (e.g. Paracetamol, oxycodone,ibuprofen) prior to your discharge from hospital.
    • Use as directed.
    • Most patients experience some discomfort in the nasal area.
    • The nasal passages may still feel blocked for some weeks after the surgery.
    • Sometimes pain in the nose/sinuses can also cause an ear ache/pain which can be controlled with pain medication prescribed.
• • Antibiotics:
    • Oral Antibiotics may be prescribed and dispensed to you prior to your discharge from hospital.
    • Use as directed.
• • Nasal sprays:
    • Nasal Sprays / Rinses may be prescribed from the day after to clear any crusting that may develop.
    • The sprays work by flushing a solution into your nose. This will clear away any debris andallow better healing and make breathing through your nose a little easier.
    • Use as directed.
      • The ward nurses and/or pharmacist will give you instructions prior to discharge.
      • Sprays are to be commenced the morning after your surgery.

Read more information about How to use a nasal spray

• Resumption of “Blood Thinning” Medications:
  • Prescribed Blood Thinning Agents
    • e.g. Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban
    • Your MEG ENT Specialist, in discussion with your GP/Physician will instruct you on when to recommence these medications
  • Over the counter blood thinning agents
    • e.g. Krill Oil, Fish Oil, Ginseng, Gingko, Garlic, etc.
    • You can restart these medications 2 weeks after your surgery.

Wound Care:

• Bleeding:
  • There may be a slight mucous discharge from the nose with very occasionally a slight bloodtinge.
  • There is no need for concern unless there is fresh bleeding (ie: bright red blood), that doesn’t cease after first aid measures described below.
  • First Aid If you experience any bleeding:
    • Suck on ice
    • Lean forward and pinch the soft fleshy part of the nose in order to pinch the nostrils closed.
      • Hold this continuously for 10 minutes
      • Check for bleeding
  • If bleeding continues despite the above measures, or you are concerned you should:
    • Present to the nearest Emergency Department
    • Call 000 and ask for an ambulance
• • Splints:
    • You may have splints inserted into your nose during the operation.
    • They are there to improve healing; they are silicon and are held in place with a stitch.
    • They will be removed at your first post-op clinic appointment one week after you are discharged.
    • You may be prescribed antibiotics to take whilst the splints are in place.

Diet:

• Generally there are no post-operative dietary restrictions, though your MEG ENT specialist may suggest avoiding hot foods in the first 72 hours to minimise the chance of bleeding.

Return to Normal Activities:

• You will usually require 1-2 weeks leave from work for recovery.
• First 72 hours:
  • Avoid steam, hot drinks and showers (warm is fine) as this may cause a nose bleed.
  • Try to sleep with your head elevated (e.g. 2-3 pillows)
  • Do not operate any heavy machinery or sign important documents in the first 24 hours after your operation, as your judgement may be impaired/clouded.
• Week 1-2 post op:
  • Do not pick or blow your nose.
  • Sniffing is allowed.
  • Avoid sneezing through the nose (Keep your mouth open – covering your mouth).
  • Gently dab any nasal discharge with a tissue
  • Have relative rest, avoid straining, avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Avoid bending over.
    • If you need to pick up objects from the floor, do so by bending your knees and keeping your head up if possible
  • Avoid Swimming, Spas.
  • Avoid taking flights if possible.
• Week 2-4 post op:
  • You may now restart slowly all previous levels of physical exercise (including sports).
  • Avoid contact sports however until 4 weeks post op.

Attend your nearest Emergency Department or Local GP Clinic if.

• You experience bleeding that continues longer than 10 minutes (straight to Emergency Department – See above)
• You have increasing Pain and/or discharge
• You have a Fever or feel increasingly unwell.
• Your MEG ENT Specialist will be keen to provide any advice/assistance required to your GP or emergency staff.

On your Post-operative Appointment:

• Your MEG ENT Specialist will remove any internal nasal sutures and/or splints and clean your nasal passages.

We will confirm the time and date of your post-operative appointment soon.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information regarding these instructions.

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