SOUTHWESTERN EAR, NOSE & THROAT

SANTA FE OFFICE: 982-4848

SURGERY CENTER: 982-7761

Dr. David Brown     Dr. Paul Kaufman     Dr. Peter Shepard     Dr. Thomas Thomason    

SEPTOPLASTY AND TURBINATE SURGERY

Your doctor has recommended that you have a septoplasty and/or turbinate surgery.  This surgery is suggested when a deviated septum blocks one or both sides of the nasal cavities and/or when the inferior turbinates are too large, causing a nasal airway obstruction. These procedures will be performed in a same day surgery center under general anesthesia and you will be able to go home about 1 hour after surgery.

The following BEFORE and AFTER instructions can help you obtain the best possible results from your surgery.  If you have any questions, please call one of the nurses. Make sure all of your questions are answered before surgery!!

BEFORE SURGERY

1.                  Tell your doctor all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking.  This includes both prescription and over the counter medications.

If your primary physician/specialist has placed you on Aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin please inform your surgeon for specific instructions.

2.                  If you develop a cold or any other infection during the two weeks prior to surgery, please notify our office immediately.  The doctor may or may not prescribe an antibiotic instead of postponing your surgery.

3.                  Plan to spend 7 days away from work or school after surgery.  This time frame is provided as a guideline since each individual’s recovery time will vary.  Please postpone out of town plans for two weeks after surgery.

NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

¨      DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST.   IF YOU EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT, YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELLED!!!  Continue to drink fluids up until midnight. You will feel much better on the day of surgery.

¨      Remove all nail polish, make-up and jewelry (watch, earrings, belly button rings, necklaces, etc).

¨      Get a good night’s rest.

¨      Wear loose comfortable clothing (button down shirt & sweat pants).

Arrange to have a responsible adult drive you to and from the surgery center and to stay with you at home on the night of your surgery.  That person MUST stay in the waiting room until you have been discharged back to them.  (You are NOT allowed to drive yourself home).

AFTER SURGERY

During surgery, splints and/or dissolvable packing are inserted in your nose to provide stabilization to the repaired septum and to reduce bleeding.  About 4 – 5 hours after surgery when the numbing medication is wearing off, bleeding from the nose and nasal discomfort will increase.  As the local anesthetic wears off, there may be a burning sensation in your nose.   The prescribed pain medication will not help to relieve that burning; it will get better as the local anesthesia wears off.  It is not uncommon for the roof of your mouth or your upper teeth to feel sore following surgery. This may last for two weeks.  Follow the instructions below to relieve symptoms and to optimize healing.  You may experience bloody drainage from the tear ducts; it is from the swelling and usually resolves within 24 hours.

Dressing Care: Change the dressing under your nose as necessary.  If you need to change the dressing every 15 minutes or less 4-5 times in a row because it is saturated, please call our office.  The dressing should stay in place as long as you are having drainage.  The drainage usually lasts 2-3 days.

Medications:

¨      ANTIBIOTICS: Your physician may or may not prescribe an antibiotic. If you are given a prescription, please take it as directed until you finish the supply.  This is important in wound healing and in preventing infection.  You will NOT need a refill.

¨      PAIN MEDICATION: The pain medication that is prescribed is usually Tylenol based with a narcotic, so you may experience some drowsiness.  You should not go to work or school, nor drive a car as long as you are taking the pain medication.  Your pain medication should be taken as directed, but do not exceed the prescribed dose.  If severe pain persists, please call the office.  (You may alternate the prescription pain medication with Tylenol if it relieves your pain).

YOU MUST EAT A LITTLE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICATION, IF NOT YOU WILL PROBABLY VOMIT.  Suggestions: Yogurt, Applesauce, Saltine Crackers.

¨      ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION: You may or may not have been given a prescription for suppositories to alleviate the nausea.  If you were not given a prescription and you experience nausea and/or vomiting, please call the office.

¨      Avoid alcoholic beverages as long as you are taking prescription medications.

¨      Please follow instructions given to you by your surgeon regarding Aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin.

¨      Refills must be approved by your doctor.  Plan ahead and allow the office 48 hours to refill your prescription.  Be sure to mention any drug allergies, as well as the name and location of the pharmacy at the time of your refill request.

¨      The morning following surgery it is important to use the saline spray to keep your nose clean and moist on the inside.  You need to use this spray at least every two hours as you are awake.  If you choose to use it more frequently, it is okay.

ACTIVITIES AND COMFORT MEASURES:

¨      Rest with your head elevated and your chin pointed down toward your chest while you have drainage (bleeding).  You may sleep at a 45 degree angle or more while you are having drainage.  Once the drainage has stopped, you may find a more comfortable position to rest.

¨      You may take a bath or shower at any time.

¨      During the first two to three days quiet activities are recommended. 

¨      NO heavy lifting, straining, athletic activities or sports for 2 weeks.  DO NOT stay bent over for prolonged periods.

¨      You may use a humidifier at night while you are sleeping.

¨      A low grade fever of 99.9-101.0 F is common.  To help control your fever, drink plenty of fluids.  If the fever exceeds 101.5, call the office.

¨      Avoid blowing your nose.

¨      If you must sneeze, open your mouth to avoid air being forced through your nose.

DIET:

¨      Slowly progress to a regular diet as tolerated.  Start off with something not too greasy or spicy, something like a soup and sandwich works well.  As long as your tummy is feeling well, you can eat as you like.

¨      You may want to keep a drink at your bedside to help clear your mouth.  Using a straw is okay if you like.

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT:

The doctor will want to see you 6 – 10 days after surgery.  Your follow up appointment will be made before you are discharged home on the day of surgery.  If an appointment was not made or if you need to reschedule, please call our office.

REASONS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

¨      Fever of 101.5 degrees or greater.

¨      Increased bleeding or drainage from the nose.

¨      Severe pain not relieved by medication.

¨      Vomiting 2 or more times in one day, after the first 24 hours.

¨      Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

¨      Welts, Hives or Rashes that appear after taking prescription medication(s).