ENT Health Hub

Nasal Procedures: Patient Awareness Guide

This guide provides an overview of common nasal procedures, including the basic steps, preoperative preparation, operation details, and postoperative care. It is intended for patient education and awareness.

Septoplasty

Preoperative Preparation

  •  Complete ENT examination and nasal endoscopy.
  • Blood tests and anesthesia fitness assessment.
  • Stop blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) as advised.
  • Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Performed under general or local anesthesia.
  • A small incision is made inside the nose.
  • Deviated portion of nasal septum is corrected.
  • Incision closed with dissolvable sutures, nasal splints placed and in some cases nasal packing may also be placed.

Post operative Care

  • Avoid nose blowing for 1–2 weeks.
  • Saline nasal sprays and pain medication as prescribed.
  • Follow-up visit for nasal splints removal after a week .
  • Report any excessive bleeding or breathing difficulty.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Preoperative Preparation

  • CT scan of sinuses to plan surgery.
  • Pre-anesthesia checkup and routine blood tests.
  • Avoid smoking and blood-thinning medicines.
  • Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Performed under general anesthesia with nasal endoscope.
  • Blocked sinus openings are cleared.
  • Polyp removal if present.
  • Improved drainage of sinuses achieved.

Post operative Care

  • Regular saline nasal irrigation.
  • Avoid dust, smoke, and strenuous activities.
  • Follow-up nasal endoscopy for cleaning crusts.
  • Antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed.

Turbinate Reduction

Preoperative Preparation

  • Clinical examination and nasal endoscopy.
  • Blood tests and anesthetic assessment.
  • Avoid aspirin and similar drugs before surgery.

Operation Details

  • Can be done under local or general anesthesia.
  • Excess turbinate tissue reduced using cautery, radiofrequency, or partial excision.
  • Helps improve nasal airflow.

Post operative Care

  • Mild nasal blockage and crusting are expected for a few weeks.
  • Use of nasal sprays and saline irrigation.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week.
  • Attend follow-up visits for nasal cleaning.

Nasal Polypectomy

Preoperative Preparation

  • Nasal endoscopy and CT scan if needed.
  • Fitness for anesthesia evaluation.
  • Discontinue blood-thinning medications.

Operation Details

  • Usually performed with nasal endoscope.
  • Polyps removed with special instruments or microdebrider.
  • May be combined with sinus surgery.

Post operative Care

  •  Nasal sprays or steroid drops may be prescribed.
  • Avoid allergens and irritants.
  • Regular follow-ups for recurrence check.
  • Saline nasal irrigation recommended.