What to Expect After Surgery

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and a decongestant to keep the sinuses clear. You probably will take these medicines for a week to 10 days.

You will be given a list of precautions to follow to avoid changes in pressure between the mouth and nasal passages. Be sure to keep your mouth open when you sneeze. And don't smoke, blow your nose, or suck on items such as straws, hard candy, or ice.

Why It Is Done

This surgery is done to close a fistula between a maxillary sinus and the mouth. A fistula can cause chronic inflammation or infection of the sinus (sinusitis).

How Well It Works

Most people who have this surgery recover with no problems.

Risks

Infection is the main risk of this surgery. You should call your doctor if you have:

• Increasing pain.
• Bleeding.
• A headache.
• Pus.
• A fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.