Following Repair Of Fractured Frontal Sinus

Post-operative care is important following surgery, and recovery may be delayed if neglected.

1. Monitor Vitals: Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, drain output.
2. Medications: Take prescribed antibiotics and analgesics as directed.
3. Eye Observations: Monitor visual acuity, pupil reaction, and eye movement:
   • Every 15 minutes for 2 hours
   • Every 30 minutes for 2 hours
   • Every 2 hours until morning ward round or doctor contact (~07:00 hrs)
   • Contact Dr Huang urgently at 0417-160-887 if signs of retrobulbar haematoma occur:
     • Decreased visual acuity
     • Eye pain not relieved by analgesics
     • Tense, bulging eye
     • Inability to move eye
4. Positioning: Nurse with head elevated 30-45 degrees.
5. Ice Packs: Apply gently and frequently to the face and closed affected eye during the first 12 hours to reduce swelling.
   • Swelling may limit mouth opening temporarily.
   • Bruising may appear as swelling subsides.
6. No Pressure: Avoid pressure on the surgical side.
7. Diet: Eat as tolerated.
8. Oral Hygiene: Maintain meticulous oral hygiene to promote healing and prevent infection.
   • Begin mouth rinsing after the first post-op day with:
   • Chlorhexidine 0.2% (Savacol, Oral B Plaqacide)
   • Warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water)
   • Use a toothbrush on areas not involved in surgery.
   • Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) lightly to lips for the first two days.
9. Stitches/Sutures: Dissolving sutures are typically used and will dissolve or fall out within 1-2 weeks.
10. Other Activities:
    1. Avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours or longer if sedated or under general anaesthesia.
    2. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 3 days post-surgery.
11. Return to School/Work: Advice will be given based on surgery type and occupation; medical certificates provided.
12. Other Problems: Temporary difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and muscle pains may occur due to anaesthesia.
13. Urgent Contact for Dr Huang:
    • Phone (02) 9262-9318 during business hours
    • Email: admin@vintagesurgicalspecialists.com.au
    • Do NOT send text messages
    • Leave a voice message for Dr Huang if needed
    • After-hours: Present to any hospital emergency department and inform them you are a private patient of Dr Huang (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery service), at:
      • Westmead Hospital Emergency
      • Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency
      • Sydney Children’s Hospital Emergency