PATIENT INFORMATION

After Septoplasty

Medications:

You will be given a prescription for a pain medication and an antibiotic. It is important that you take these medications as directed. Pain medication will be given in the recovery room, and you will be instructed when the next dose may be given at home.  Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach (will cause nausea).  Use of narcotic pain medication can lead to constipation and may require the use of stool softeners.

Antibiotics should be started the evening following surgery. If you have been given a prescription for oral steroids such as prednisone/ medrol these should be started the day after surgery.

Bleeding:

It is normal to have some bleeding during the first 48 hours after surgery.  If the bleeding becomes steady or severe spray your nose with 2-3 squirts of Afrin(oxymetazoline) nasal spray to help control the bleeding. If bleeding persists call our office. 

Splints:

Dr. Egan and Dr. O'Halloran will place nasal septal splints at the end of your surgery.  Splints help to keep the septum in place while it heals.  Splints are not packing. In fact, they are much more comfortable than packing and are easier to remove. The splints are easily removed at your first post op visit. The splints are secured in position with a stitch so there is no worry that they will become dislodged.  The splints have tubes that allow your to breath while they are in place. However, these tubes can become blocked so it is important to irrigate regularly.

Irrigation:

All patients should begin nasal irrigation the morning after surgery. Irrigation should be done at least twice a day but can be done more often. We recommend the Neil Med Sinus Irrigation Kit which is available at most pharmacies in the nasal care aisle.


What to do: 

Diet: avoid hot and spicy foods for 5 days.  Be sure to maintain hydration with adequate liquid intake.

Keep your head elevated as much as possible for the first three days.  Sleep with your head elevated on pillows.

Place ice packs (frozen peas, crushed ice in zip lock, etc.) on your nose, eyes and cheeks as much as possible for the first three days.

Change the gauze pad under the nose as needed depending on drainage.  You may remove it and keep it off when the drainage subsides.

What to Avoid:

  • No nose blowing for 2 weeks after surgery
  • No Heavy lifting/exercise for 2 weeks after surgery.
  • No Aspirin, Advil, Motrin or other NSAIDS for 2 weeks after surgery.

When to Call after Surgery:

  • Excessive or persistent bleeding 
  • Sudden eye swelling or loss vision 
  • Severe headache or neck stiffness 

Follow Up after Surgery:

Your first follow-up visit will be one week after surgery.  This visit should be scheduled prior to your surgery.  During this visit, internal stents may be removed and the inside of the nose will be cleaned.  A topical numbing spray will be applied to minimize discomfort.  However, you may wish to take your pain medicine prior to this visit.