How long does it take to recover from endoscopic sinus surgery?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to remove blockages and treat other problems in the sinuses using an endoscope — a thin, rigid tube with a camera and a light. This type of surgery does not include cutting the skin because it is performed entirely through the nostrils.
Endoscopic sinus surgery, sometimes called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is a minimally invasive procedure to treat problems in the sinuses.
It can take a few months before you feel as if you’re back to normal. Most people go back to school or work in a week or so and resume their normal routine within two weeks.
In this guide, we review the aspects of
- Who may need endoscopic sinus surgery?
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recovery
- What to Avoid After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
- Is endoscopic sinus surgery painful?
Who may need endoscopic sinus surgery?
People who experience nasal congestion, pain, drainage, difficulty breathing, loss of sense of smell (anosmia), or other symptoms can benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery.
- Sinusitis (persistent or chronic sinus infections)
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal obstruction or blockage
- Sinus and nasal tumors
The goals of endoscopic sinus surgery include
- Reduce the number and severity of sinus infections
- Improve sinusitis symptoms
- Improve the drainage of the sinuses
- Improve airflow through the nose
- Improve the sense of smell
- Allow access for nasal rinses to reach the sinus cavities for cleaning and medication delivery
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Recovery
You may experience the following symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery:
- Bleeding: It is normal to have some bloody discharge for the first three to five days after sinus surgery, especially after you irrigate your sinuses. If you are experiencing steady bleeding, tilt your head back slightly and gently breathe through your nose. You can dab your nose with a tissue, but avoid blowing it. If this action does not stop the bleeding, you may use oxymetazoline nasal spray. Usually, multiple sprays will stop any bleeding. If the spray fails to stop steady nasal bleeding, call your doctor.
- Pain: You should expect some nasal and sinus pressure and pain for the first several days after surgery. The pain may feel like a sinus infection or a dull ache in your sinuses. Extra-strength acetaminophen should relieve mild discomfort. Avoid using aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. If acetaminophen is not sufficient to control the pain, use the postoperative pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Fatigue: You should anticipate experiencing fatigue during the first week following surgery. The discomfort is normal, and most patients plan to take at least one week off work to recover. Every patient is different, and some return to work sooner.
- Nasal congestion and discharge: You will have nasal congestion and discharge for the first few weeks after surgery. Your nasal passage and breathing should return to normal two to three weeks after surgery.
You will need to return to your doctor several times after the surgery for follow-ups to aid the healing process. During these visits, the care team will clean your nose and sinuses of fluid and blood left behind after surgery. There is some discomfort involved with the cleaning, so it is best to take a pain medication 45 minutes before your visit.
What to Avoid After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
- Nose-blowing, heavy lifting and straining: You should avoid straining, heavy lifting (anything heavier than 20 pounds), and nose-blowing for at least 10 days after surgery, as these activities may cause bleeding. You can resume 50% of your regular exercise regimen one week after surgery and your normal routine two weeks later.
- Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications: Stop taking aspirin and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, two weeks before surgery and avoid using them for two weeks after surgery.
- Steroid nasal sprays: If you were taking nasal steroid sprays before surgery, you should avoid using these for at least two weeks after sinus surgery to allow the lining of the nose and sinuses to heal. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to restart this medicine.
Is endoscopic sinus surgery painful?
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure designed to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses to restore their function and health. In chronic sinusitis, the sinuses are unable to drain adequately due to inflammation of the narrow drainage pathways. This can lead to nasal secretions getting stuck in the sinuses and developing a persistent infection.
The goal of surgery is to carefully remove the thin, delicate bone and mucous membranes that block the drainage pathways of the sinuses. The term “endoscopic” refers to the use of small fiberoptic telescopes that allow all of the surgery to be performed through the nostrils, without the need for any skin incisions. Endoscopic sinus surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis.
Conclusion
The most popular surgery for sinus disorders is FESS. According to studies, 80–90% of patients who had FESS for persistent sinusitis believe the procedure “cured” their issue. However, every person has a unique experience. Because it’s a chronic illness, your FESS might not “solve” your sinus problem, but it can greatly reduce the frequency of flare-ups and alleviate your symptoms. Following your post-surgery instructions and allowing your nose to recover will help you avoid reoccurring sinus issues.
