Understanding Nose & Sinus Operations

Thank you, for choosing me to perform your sinus surgery. This video explains what to expect from your procedure. I will cover the possible complications, and how we typically manage them, helping you feel prepared and informed about your upcoming surgery. All surgical procedures carry some risks - and I want you to know about them. There are general complications that can occur with any surgery, and specific risks directly related to nose procedures. Most complications are rare, and I have experience in managing them when they do occur. Bleeding occurs in around one in twenty patients following surgery. This is usually minor and managed with a small dressing placed under your nose for two to three days. The hospital provides this nasal bolster dressing, and bleeding typically resolves quickly without further treatment needed. Infection also affects approximately one-in-twenty patients after surgery. We treat this with antibiotics either as tablets taken by mouth, or creams applied directly to the affected area. Post-operative infections are generally straightforward to treat, with appropriate medication. They usually resolve well with prompt attention - and proper care. To help prevent scarring inside your nose, I place thin silastic sheets inside both nostrils during surgery. These blue-coloured sheets remain in place for one week. I remove them during your follow-up appointment without anaesthetic. The process takes less than one minute, and symptoms usually lift immediately afterwards. While the splints are in place you will experience feelings of nasal blockage, discomfort and dry crusting inside your nose. This is completely normal and expected during the first week - with the symptoms lifting immediately after I remove the splints. I prescribe decongestants for five days and gentle nasal rinse to help you stay comfortable. For sinus surgery, cerebrospinal fluid leak is extremely rare, occurring in less than one in one thousand operations performed. The risk increases slightly if you have had previous nose or sinus surgery. I use careful surgical planning with detailed imaging and surgical navigation technology to help minimize this risk. As an expert endoscopic sinus surgeon, I can recognise any cerebrospinal fluid breach during the operation, if it occurs. I also have the expertise and skills to repair it immediately during the same procedure. If a cerebrospinal fluid leak does occur it may result in one or two days of hospital admission for observation. Trauma to the eye is even rarer than cerebrospinal fluid leak, occurring in less than one in three thousand cases. Mild temporary double vision may occasionally occur, if air escapes into the orbit around your eye. This usually resolves naturally without treatment, as the air is gradually absorbed by your body. To help prevent complications involving air escaping into surrounding areas - please avoid excessive blowing of your nose after surgery for three weeks. When you need to sneeze - do so from your mouth rather than through your nose. These simple steps, combined with nasal topical treatment and rinsing after surgery are important to protect the surgical area. This can significantly reduce the risk of complications; revision; and recurrence of symptoms. Septal perforation, a small hole connecting the nostrils - occurs in less than one in one hundred of my patients. This happens when opposing tears occur across the membrane on both sides. If this develops, I can repair it later if needed. It causes minimal symptoms and is manageable. For more information, organisations like the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology and ENTUK provide patient resources. If you have any questions about your procedure, please contact my team. We are here to support you in making informed decisions about your care.