How Do I Prepare For Surgery?

Prior to surgery, you may need blood work, EKG, and a chest x-ray performed. Depending upon other medical conditions, you may need an evaluation by your primary care physician and/or a specialist, such as a cardiologist. This is all done in order to ensure that anesthesia and surgery will be as safe as possible.

Typically, you will have a visit to be re-examined prior to surgery. If you have a CT scan from another facility, bring it with you to this visit. Surgery generally will not be performed without a recent CT scan.

In some cases, oral steroids and/or antibiotic therapy is done in the pre-surgical period. Take these medications as directed. If you have a significant increase in your sinus symptoms in the week(s) prior to surgery, notify us. Surgery may need to be postponed.

DO NOT take aspirin or salicylate containing pain medications for 10 days prior to surgery. These medications can increase bleeding.

DO NOT take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, etc.) or COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, Celebrex) for 7 days prior to surgery. These drugs may also increase bleeding. The only over-the-counter medication for pain that you may safely use before your surgery is plain Tylenol (acetaminophen).

DO NOT take any herbal remedies or vitamin tablets for 14 days prior to surgery. This includes but is not limited to St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, and others. Some of these remedies are known to increase the risk of surgical bleeding.

DO NOT smoke for at least 3-4 weeks before or after surgery. Smoking worsens sinus symptoms and can result in scarring and failure of the operation.

DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. If you are taking medications, ask during your preoperative visits if these can be taken the morning of surgery.

Back To Sinonasal services