Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery(FESS) is an effective treatment for many disorders of the nasal passages and sinuses. The goal is to remove disease and restore natural drainage through natural openings rather than creating artifial openings or “windows”.

Before Surgery

• Do NOT eat or drink ANYTHING after midnight before surgery
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing the day of your surgery.
• Have someone with you to drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after your surgery.
• Do NOT take any medications with aspirin or blood thinners for TWO WEEKS before your surgery. Any other regular medications prescribed by your doctor for heart, diabetes, blood pressure, etc. are ok to take before surgery. Please bring these medications with you to the hospital on the day of surgery. TYLENOL is ok to take for pain before surgery.
• Please call if you are unable the keep your scheduled appointment for surgery.
• Please pre-admit before your surgery. This avoids timely delays in getting your blood work results before surgery.

After Surgery

• Do not blow your nose until instructed. Wipe gently with Kleenex.
• Change dressings under nose as needed.
• Eat a soft diet, avoid foods that require a lot of chewing.
• Brush your teeth gently.
• Avoid extreme physical activity, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting. Get a lot of rest.
• Avoid getting hit in the nose.
• Take tub baths; wash your face gently with a washcloth.
• Do not get the nasal dressing wet.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two pillows.
• If you have cosmetic surgery: avoid direct sunlight for 6 weeks after the surgery.
• Do not be concerned about the swelling of the eyes and nose. This is normal and will subside.
• If your surgery required the placement of a cast, do not wear any type of glasses which rest on the bridge of the nose. Tape glasses to your forehead.
• Do not drive if your surgery required the placement of a cast.
• If nasal crusting occurs a week after surgery, they can be loosened by steam or salt water sniffs.(1/2 tsp. Salt in 8oz. Water) Sniff this solution several times a day unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Schedule your post-op appointment for two weeks after surgery.

If you experience any symptoms that are not listed that you feel are significant please call immediately.

Possible Complications
Potential complications include, but are not limited to:

• Sore throat from intubation.
• Post operative bleeding.
• Hyponasality, hypernasality, blindness, other injury to the eyes or brain, meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak.
• Death, brain damage, temporary or permanent loss of an airway, paresthesias, neuralgias, neuropraxia.
• Need for further or additional surgery, or recurrence of polyps or other disease processes.
• Scarring at the site of surgery.
• Injury, accidental burns or other injuries directly or not directly related to the procedure, infections at the site of the surgery or insertion of IVs.
• Adverse or unforseen reactions to medications, drugs or or other agents commonly used for anesthesia or surgery.