Page Summary
- Follow the fasting and medication instructions given to you before surgery, especially anything to do with blood thinners, and do not stop any medication without medical advice.
- Stopping smoking is strongly recommended for at least 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks afterward. If your surgery is sooner, stopping now is still beneficial.
- Arrange a way home after surgery, and prepare the medications, nasal rinse, and supplies your team has recommended in advance.
- Tell your medical team if anything important changes in your health or your medications before your surgery date.
This guide covers the practical preparation that is shared by nasal and sinus procedures, including endoscopic sinus surgery, revision sinus surgery, septoplasty and turbinoplasty, other nasal surgery where applicable, and endoscopic skull base surgery. Your team will give you any additional instructions specific to your own procedure.
In the weeks before surgery
- Finish any medical checks your care team asks for.
- Arrange a ride home, since you won't be able to drive after surgery.
- Get the medications, nasal rinse, and other supplies your team has recommended, so they are ready when you come home.
- Tell your team if anything important changes in your health or your medications before the surgery date.
Smoking and surgery
Stopping smoking is strongly recommended for at least 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks afterward. Smoking increases the risk of breathing and anesthesia-related complications, infection, and delayed healing. If your surgery is sooner, stopping now is still beneficial.
Medications and supplements
Before surgery, make sure your surgical and anesthesia teams know about all medications, injections, vitamins, and supplements you take.
This is especially important if you use:
- Blood thinners, aspirin, or antiplatelet medications
- Weight-loss or diabetes injections such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
- Herbal or nutritional supplements, particularly ginkgo, garlic, ginger, ginseng, or vitamin E supplements
Some medications and supplements can affect bleeding or anesthesia, and some weight-loss or diabetes medications may require specific instructions before surgery. Your team will tell you if anything needs to be stopped or adjusted.
Do not stop prescribed medications on your own.
The day before
The anesthesia team will tell you exactly when to stop eating and drinking. They'll also confirm any last-minute medicine instructions.
What to bring on the day
- A list of your current medicines.
- Loose, comfortable clothes.