What happens During Surgery?
For a septoplasty with turbinectomy, you will be admitted on the day of your surgery and will stay overnight in the hospital. The operation is performed with you under a general anaesthetic and will last between 30 to 60 minutes.
For the septoplasty, a small cut is made on the inside of your nose on the septum and any bent or obstructing bone/cartilage is removed or straightened. The reconstructed nasal septum is secured with internal stitches. The stitches used inside the nose are designed to dissolve on their own over a few weeks when the nose lining has healed. The turbinates may be trimmed to reduce their size.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation on average takes 1 to 2 hours.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed through your nostrils and does not result in any facial scarring or changes to the external shape of your nose.
Your surgeon will use a small telescope (endoscope) to examine your nasal passages. Your surgeon will then use instruments to remove any polyps and to widen the passages from your sinuses into your nose.
How long will I stay in hospital?
You should be able to go home the same day. If non-dissolvable packing was inserted into your nose, you will need to stay overnight in order for the packing to be removed the next morning.
What is my recovery time?
This is generally not a very painful operation from which to recover.
For the first few weeks, your nose will feel quite blocked and you will have increased mucus and some dried blood in the nose. Saline rinses may be recommended. The front of the nose may be tender from the small dissolvable sutures just inside the nostril. It is important to follow the prescribed rest period at home. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. You may need up to 2 weeks off work (a medical certificate will be supplied if needed). Your nose should have fully healed approximately 6 months after the operation.
Your nose will continue to feel blocked for a few weeks.
Your surgeon will give you a nasal spray or drops for you to use. You may be given a course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Do not blow your nose for at least a week.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a good recovery.
