INSTRUCTIONS for

NASAL SEPTOPLASTY

Hugh N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.

(You may wish to print these instructions.)

• Three weeks before surgery:

   

  • Stop taking any nasal sprays such as Afrin or Neosynephrine.

   

• Two weeks before surgery:

   

  • Stop taking aspirin unless told otherwise by Dr. Hazenfield

   

• One week before surgery:

   

  • Call Dr. Hazenfield's office for confirmation of instructions and the date and time to arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery.

  • Be certain that you, or the patient, have had the necessary blood tests and have seen your primary care doctor for a history and physical examination.

  • Call Dr. Hazenfield or his staff if you have any further questions regarding the surgery.

  • Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital on the day of surgery.  You may not drive or take public transportation by yourself.

  • If you wish my office to complete TDI papers, please bring or mail them at this time.  Be certain that your employer and you have completed the respective sections and that you sign and date the papers so that my office can release the information.  We usually return these directly to your employer.

• On the day of surgery:

   

  • Before surgery:

     

    • Do not eat or drink anything -- including water -- after midnight.  If you do, it can be very dangerous for you to have the surgery.

    • Arrive at the hospital at the time you have been given.  This normally is 1-1/2 to 2 hours before the time of your operation.

     

  • After surgery:

     

    • Do not plan any major activities for 4-5 days after surgery.

    • Change the mustache dressing (drip pad) as often as necessary, but count the number of times you change it.

    • Take the pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed by Dr. Hazenfield.

    • Use ice compresses over your nose and face as necessary to help control the pain.

    • Eat a soft diet and drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids.

     

• On the day after surgery (or rarely, two days after surgery):

   

  • You will have an appointment to remove the nasal packing.  This is uncomfortable and may be painful.  There is usually mild bleeding, and Dr. Hazenfield will insert very small packs in both nostrils.  These will dissolve, and they usually come out spontaneously in 1-3 days.

  • Take one of your pain pills one hour before your appointment with Dr. Hazenfield.

  • Have someone bring you to the appointment.

   

• You may return to work about 8 days after surgery.

If you have any questions at all, call Doctor Hazenfield at 622-2626 or through his answering service at 988-2188.

05.08.2002 by H. N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.  

This may not be reproduced without the written permission of H. N. Hazenfield.