Diet: In the immediate post-operative recovery period, a liquid diet should be maintained. You may feel temporarily drowsy and nauseated from the anesthesia. You may experience vomiting due to swallowing blood during the surgery or from the anesthetic. Medication is available for nausea. When liquids are tolerated satisfactorily, your diet may be advanced to a regular diet.
PLEASE DO NOT USE ASPIRIN. Aspirin and Aspirin containing medications can increase your chances for bleeding during the first 10 days after surgery.
Activity: Be careful with your nose. Protect your nose. Avoid situations where your nose can be accidentally bumped or hit. Avoid blowing your nose. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open. It takes at least two weeks for the "incisions" inside your nose to heal. Moderate sniffing is okay. Avoid bending, stooping or lifting heavy objects (items greater than 25 lbs.) as well as noxious fumes, dust and dirt. Keep your head elevated at all times for the first week after surgery. If may be helpful to sleep on a recliner or propped up on two pillows. Most patients can resume normal activities after their evaluation performed one week after surgery.
Nasal crusting: Crusting that is present in the nose is part of the normal healing process. DO NOT try to remove the crusts. Using saline nasal spray in your nose 4 to 6 times per day for the first two weeks after surgery will help keep crusting to a minimal.
Fever: Some fever is to be expected. A low-grade fever (101° orally) is common during the first several days after surgery. The increased temperature is often associated with inadequate fluid intake and should be treated by increasing fluid consumption. Should the fever persist, or rise above 101° orally, please contact the office or physician on call.
Pain: It is normal to experience pain as well as headaches after sinus surgery. A "stopped up" feeling is also to be expected. Medications (usually an antibiotic and pain medication) should be utilized as prescribed by Dr. Bankaci. Severe headaches should be reported to Dr. Bankaci. If you feel the pain medication is not working, or you are having a reaction to the medication, please contact the office or physician on call.
Nasal Packing: You may have packing and/or splints inside your nose, which will obstruct your nasal breathing. The "stopped up" feeling is also to be expected. This sensation can lead to significant head congestion and headaches. Medications that you have been prescribed will help. Mouth breathing is to be expected, especially at night. A humidifier in the bedroom and antibiotic ointment applied to the lips and outside of the nose can help reduce dryness and irritation while sleeping. Using normal saline spray to your nose 4 to 6 times per day for the first two weeks after surgery will also be helpful.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is to be expected. This can occur through the nose and/or down the back of the throat for the first 1 to 2 days after surgery. Persistent bleeding or brisk bleeding requires attention. Please contact Dr. Bankaci immediately should this occur.
Changes Involving the Eyes:Changes in vision, blurred vision, swelling tenderness or pain around the eye(s) should not occur. If you notices any changes involving the eye(s) please contact Dr. Bankaci immediately.
Changes Involving Mental Abilities:Changes involving levels of consciousness should be immediately reported to Dr. Bankaci. Symptoms may be related to medications, anesthesia or the surgery itself.
Follow-up: Re-evaluation will be conducted by Dr. Bankaci one week after surgery. Please contact the office to schedule this appointment if not already made. Remember "Every body is different". It can take some people longer to heal than others. Even though there are no external incisions, the inside of your nose will still take up to six weeks to heal. Post-operative irrigations and care are very important.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dr. Bankaci's office at 724-547-4575, 724-832-9688, or 724-863-5679.