Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, patients typically experience some nasal congestion, mild pain, and possibly light bleeding for a few days. Dissolvable packing or splints may be placed in the nose to aid healing and prevent adhesions. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. It is crucial to follow post-operative instructions carefully, which usually include saline nasal rinses to keep the nasal passages clean and moist, avoiding strenuous activities, and refraining from blowing your nose forcefully. The NHS source mentions that polyps can grow back, often within a few years. To minimize this risk and maintain the benefits of surgery, your surgeon will likely recommend continued use of steroid nasal sprays or rinses. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing, remove any crusting, and adjust post-operative care as needed. Most patients can return to light activities within a week and full activities within a few weeks, with significant improvement in breathing and sense of smell becoming noticeable as swelling subsides.