Nasal Airway Surgery (cont.)

What happens before deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) or turbinectomy?

In most situations, the surgery is performed as an outpatient at either a hospital or surgicenter. In both facilities, quality health care is provided. An anesthesiologist will monitor the sedated patient throughout the procedures. If the doctor has ordered preoperative laboratory studies, patients should arrange to have these done several days in advance; patients should bring a copy of these results with them the day of surgery for the anesthesiologist and surgeon to review. Patients need to arrange for someone to transport them home from the surgical facility, and to spend the first night after surgery with the patient, as previously mentioned.

After surgery, the doctor may ask patients to start using salt water (saline) irrigation's. The doctor will instruct the patient on how, what, and when to start and using irrigation.

Patients should not take aspirin, or any product containing aspirin, within 10 days prior to the surgery date. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) should not be taken within 7 days prior to the surgery date. Many over-the-counter products contain aspirin or ibuprofen type drugs so it is important to check all medications carefully. If there is any question individuals should call the health care professional's office or consult a Pharmacist. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an acceptable pain reliever. Usually the doctor will give necessary prescription medications at the preoperative visit. It is best to have these filled prior to the date of surgery.

Patients will receive instructions about eating and drinking limitations prior to surgery. These instructions also will include water, candy, or chewing gum. Anything in the stomach increases the chances of an anesthetic complication. Patient's who smoke should make every effort to stop smoking, or at least reduce the number of cigarettes. This will help to reduce postoperative coughing and bleeding. Patients should discuss this precaution specifically with their surgeon and specifically inform the anesthesiologist about their smoking history so that the doctors clearly understand the patient's preoperative condition.

If patients are sick or have a fever the day before surgery, they should call the doctor's office. If they wake up sick the day of surgery, they could still proceed to the surgical facility as planned for an evaluation. The doctor will decide if it's safe to proceed with surgery.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/nasal_airway_surgery/article.htm