Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Pre-Operative Information

This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). It should be read alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment and the full post-operative care guide.

Read the full sinus surgery information page → | Post-Operative Care →

About Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is performed entirely through the nostrils using a fine endoscope and specialised instruments — there are no external incisions and no external scars. The procedure opens the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses, removes diseased mucosa and polyps where present, and restores ventilation of the sinus cavities. It is performed under general anaesthesia using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) to minimise bleeding in the surgical field.

FESS is most commonly performed for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps that has not responded adequately to medical therapy. It is frequently combined with septoplasty and turbinoplasty in the same anaesthetic. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.

Post-operative care after sinus surgery — particularly regular saline nasal irrigation and attendance at post-operative debridement visits — is critical to a good outcome and is as important as the surgery itself.

Before Surgery

Medications to Cease

A full list is available on the Medications to Avoid page →

Nasal Steroid Sprays

Continue your prescribed nasal steroid spray right up until the day of surgery — do not stop it. For patients on oral corticosteroids, specific guidance will be given at your pre-operative appointment.

Fasting

• No solid food or milk for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery time
• Clear fluids permitted up to two hours before — confirmed by the hospital the day before surgery

Practical Preparations

• Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you on the first night
• Purchase a large-volume saline nasal irrigation kit before surgery — NeilMed Sinus Rinse or Flo Sinus Rinse. Twice-daily irrigation beginning the day after surgery is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a good surgical outcome
• Plan at least one week away from work; two weeks off strenuous exercise
• Have all prescribed medications ready before your surgery date

What to Expect in Recovery

Important Post-Operative Instructions

• Twice-daily saline nasal irrigation is not optional — it begins the day after surgery and continues for at least six weeks. Use a large-volume delivery bottle
• Attend all scheduled post-operative debridement appointments — these are as important as the surgery itself
• Avoid nose-blowing for the first week; thereafter blow very gently
• If sneezing is unavoidable, open the mouth widely
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending forward for two weeks
• Avoid alcohol, hot showers, and steam in the first week
• Take paracetamol for pain — avoid all anti-inflammatory medications after surgery
• Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
• Keep irrigation bottles clean and dry between uses; always use cooled boiled or sterile water

When to Seek Urgent Assistance

Sinus Surgery — Full Information → | Post-Operative Care → | Contact the Rooms →