Post-Operative Instructions Following Septal Surgery

Post-Operative Instructions Following Septal Surgery
You have had an operation on the nasal septum to straighten twisted cartilage and reposition it so that your nasal breathing is clearer.
1. Nasal Packs
These will be avoided if possible. However, if packs are necessary, absorbable
biodegradable Nasopore will be used in most cases.
These do not need to be removed, but dissolve, with regular nasal irrigation, over 5-10
days after your operation.
2. Nasal Splints
Occasionally, you may have “septal splints” within the nose. These are thin sheets of
soft plastic which lie on either side of the septum (the central partition wall). They
are placed in the nose to prevent the septum from swelling too much and also to
prevent scar tissue developing across the nasal cavity in the early post-operative
period. These splints stay in place for one week and are removed as an out-patient.
This is slightly uncomfortable, but is not usually painful.
Post-Operative Medication
Following Septoplasty, you will be given the following nasal treatments:-
a) Simple painkillers.
b) Decongestant nose drops – use three or four drops to either side of the nose three or
four times daily as necessary. This will help to keep the nose clear whilst the splints are in place and give some usable nasal breathing.
c) Antibiotics. These are given for 7-10 days following nasal surgery to prevent any
infection around the septal splints (if used), or within the nasal cavity.
d) Nasal cream. Naseptin cream is to be used three times daily to each side of the nose to
prevent soreness and crusting around the sutures and incision.
General advice following septal surgery
The main potential complication following any nasal or septal surgery is nasal bleeding. This can be minimised by observing the following simple advice:-
a) Avoid vigorous exercise for at least two weeks, e.g. sporting activity, gym training,
running, fitness training, etc.
b) Avoid excessive general physical activity such as bending, stooping, lifting heavy
objects etc. (This includes household tasks such as carrying heavy shopping, gardening, etc.)
c) Rest as much as possible , but try to sit upright or lie on a sofa with the head elevated to prevent the nose becoming swollen or blocked. You may wish to have a few extra pillows when you sleep in bed at night for the same reason.
d) Avoid close contact with friends and relatives with viral colds/flu-like illnesses.
e) Work It is probably advisable to have 1-2 weeks off work because of the
recommendations listed above. If necessary, you may be able to do some of your work from home, but busy commuting on public transport, long meetings in hot offices, using stairs and escalators and generally rushing about in the post-operative period should be avoided.
f) Normal gentle activity is permitted and if you feel well enough you can go for short walks, visit friends, go to a local park or into the garden etc., - you do not need to be completely housebound!
If you need further advice, contact: ENT Ward 01753 633024
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