Safe Removal of Nasal Packing After Sinus Surgery: What to Expect

Nasal packing is performed after sinus surgery to control bleeding and support the sinus structure. Gauze and cotton used for nasal packing are left in place anywhere from a few hours to seven days after surgery. You breathe through your mouth when packing is in place, and may need to drink more fluids to keep the mouth moistened. Do not attempt to remove the packing yourself. Your doctor removes the nasal packing.

Things You'll Need

• Pain medication

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor when it is time for the nasal packing to be removed. He will tell you when to return to his office for the removal.

• 2

  Take pain medication your doctor has prescribed or recommended before nasal packing is removed because removal might be painful. Take the medication an hour before the procedure.

• 3

  Allow your doctor to remove the nasal packing. He removes the packing and cleans the nasal cavity area.