12 Things You May Not Know About Endoscopic Surgery

Sense of Smell

First and foremost, it is important to note that while you may have some discomfort in the immediate postoperative period, your symptoms may be short-lived. You will notice that your nose feels much better after endoscopic surgery and that there are major changes in your appearance. Your sense of smell will be affected for a few weeks until it is completely healed.

Plenty of Rest

You may not feel any pain during or after surgery. But you should avoid strenuous activity for about three weeks after endoscopic surgery, as swelling may cause discomfort. Focus on getting plenty of rest.

Constipation Is Inevitable

Another thing to watch out for is constipation. Endoscopic surgery can cause constipation because of anesthesia. But don’t worry! You can help yourself by taking fiber-rich food and supplements.

Aspirin and Anti-inflammatory Is a No-Go Zone

If you’re taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), talk to your doctor before leaving the hospital so they can adjust your medications accordingly.

Sleeping Upright

It’s recommended that you sleep upright for the first 24 hours following your procedure so your body can heal properly. You’ll be able to return to sleeping on your side once you’ve healed enough that it won’t be painful for you or impact your healing process.

No Blowing the Nose

You should also avoid blowing your nose until all the swelling has gone completely. Blowing the nose can cause bleeding in the nasal passage.

Use Your Mouth to Sneeze

Try and use your mouth when sneezing instead of your nose. This will help prevent any irritation in the nose that might cause internal bleeding.

High levels of Oral Hygiene

You will need to practice high levels of oral hygiene, more so if you are prone to dry mouth; make sure you use a good mouth rinse at least twice per day for 2-4 weeks after surgery, especially if you’re sleeping on your back (which can lead to decreased saliva production).

No Smoking

You should also avoid smoking cigarettes or pipes until all swelling has gone down completely. You will likely also need to take oral medications like antihistamines.

Stay Alert for Vision Changes

You may experience some vision changes following ESS: blurry vision, halos around lights, redness (which could be signs of bleeding), pain with moving eyes back and forth rapidly, or even double vision if there is too much pressure on the eye area by itself (such as when laying down). If you experience any of these symptoms, report to your doctor immediately.

No Air Travel

No air travel is recommended for at least two weeks after surgery, although it is possible to travel if you are very careful with your breathing. A doctor may recommend that you avoid air travel until at least one month after surgery if you have doubts about the effectiveness of your new nose or the healing process. Be sure to get clearance from your doctor before taking any trips!

Frequent Change of Drip Pad

If you have endoscopic sinus surgery, you must change your drip pad regularly during the first three days after surgery because they tend to stick together at first. 

Suppose your symptoms persist beyond that time frame. In that case, it is recommended that you see your doctor immediately so they can give you additional care recommendations based on their observations at their office visit(s).

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic surgery that uses a catheter to open up your nasal passages. The doctor will make an incision or cut your skull and insert a small balloon into your nasal passage. This allows them to see your nasal cavity and remove the buildup of mucus and other debris that is making it difficult for you to breathe.

After this procedure, you’ll still be able to smell but not as much as before. You may experience some pain after surgery, but it’s short-lived and should go away within a few days. You can also expect some swelling around the balloon’s insertion area, which usually goes away within a few weeks. If you have allergies or asthma, keep using your medications while recovering from surgery, so they don’t flare up while healing.

Why Balloon Sinuplasty?

The upside of balloon sinuplasty is that it’s an outpatient procedure fast and easy enough for most people to recover from at home with little inconvenience or pain involved!

Chronic sinusitis can make it difficult to enjoy life, especially if nasal sprays and prescription medications aren’t providing enough relief. Endoscopic surgery may be your best option. Don’t let your fears about sinus surgery overwhelm you; talk to your doctor about balloon sinuplasty to see if it’s right for you.