Post Op Information:
Lacrimal ( Tear Duct) Surgery
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What To Expect
It is not uncommon to experience bloody and mucus discharge for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Tearing may persist after surgery for the first few weeks before improving.
Nasal congestion is normal after nasal surgery and will normally within 1-2 weeks. Smell and taste may be temporarily affected after surgery until the congestion settles down.
A slight ooze or short lived nose bleeds are not uncommon after surgery and can occur for the first 2 weeks. Most bleeds will self-resolve within 10-15 minutes with head elevation, ice over the nose, back of neck and in the mouth and pressure on the nostrils. If bleeding is severe or persist present to your closest emergency department for review.
Endoscopic tear duct surgery isn’t usually too painful, although you may experience some tenderness over the. bridge of your nose Use panadol for mild pain, with the stronger prescribed pain relief only if needed. AVOID aspirin, nurofen and advil. A clean-out of the nasal cavity will occur at the first post-op visit. We recommend taking either endone or panadeine forte 30 minutes prior to minimize discomfort.
If packing is used it will be dissolvable and dissolve with your sinus washes.
Silastic (plastic) splints secured with a stitch may be used following septoplasty.
Dissolvable sutures may be used to close your septal incision. These stitches often unravel or extrude early. If you notice the stitch, do not pull on it but rather cut it flush with your skin.
To keep the tear ducts open, small plastic tubes may have been inserted. These may be visible at the corner of your eye. Typically, you not notice them after the first 24 hours. Rarely the loop can become loose. If this happens do not pull on them as they are secured internally. Please call Dr Psaltis’ rooms for advice.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and straining for 2 weeks after surgery.
Avoid hot food and drinks and hot showers for 5 days after surgery
Dr Psaltis may have prescribed you oral steroids, antibiotics, pain medications and irrigations. Take as recommended. If you have any questions call your Pharmacist, local doctor or call/email Dr Psaltis rooms.
FLO irrigations will aid recovery and nasal congestion. On the first day after surgery you will be instructed on how to use the irrigation bottle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xodfPieoUZU
We recommend rinsing with
- FLO CRS or FLO Sinus care dissolved in 200 ml of boiled water allowed to cool to room temperature
- 1/2 bottle (100ml) each side of the nasal cavity 4x day until your first post-op visit
- Irrigations should be forceful enough to dislodge any crusts, but should not be uncomfortable or painful. If you get ear fullness or pain on washing, decrease the volume and force of the wash.
Prof Psaltis typically recommends 1-2 week off from work or school following endoscopic sinus surgery
He usually sees you at 2 weeks and then 6-8 weeks post-surgery.
Please continue your nasal washes as instructed by Prof Psaltis during this time period. Flo Sachets can be purchased online or over the counter at most pharmacies.
At the first post-operative visit it is important that Professor Psaltis suctions out any of the clots or packing that may not have dissolved with the washing. This can cause some minor discomfort and so we recommend taking analgesia 30 minutes prior to your first post-operative appointment.
- Dr Psaltis will normally review you between 10-14 days after surgery.
- This visit will take 10-20 minutes and involves cleaning all the clots from the nose.
- Take pain relief ( endone or panadeine forte) prior to this appointment to minimize discomfort.