Nasal stents are placed after sinus surgery to keep newly opened passages from closing due to swelling and scarring, ensuring proper drainage, airflow, and healing, often by providing mechanical support and delivering anti-inflammatory medicine to prevent the need for further surgery. They act as internal "spacers," holding tissues apart to prevent adhesions (synechiae) and support the delicate surgical areas, improving long-term outcomes for conditions like chronic sinusitis.
How Long Does The PROPEL Sinus Stent Last? PROPEL dissolves over 30 to 45 days following surgery and clinical studies have shown that patients show symptom improvements even 6 months following the surgery.
How it works: The PROPEL Stent is carefully inserted into the sinus cavity at the end of surgery. The stent remains there for a few weeks, utilizing a spring-like mechanism to open up the nasal passageway. At the same time, it provides anti-inflammatory therapy to enhance healing.
Nasal stents are small, soft devices specifically designed to fit gently inside your nasal passages or sinuses. Their primary purpose is to provide critical support to the delicate nasal tissues and maintain proper airflow and drainage pathways while your body heals from surgery.
Dr. Nima answers honestly: “You'll feel some slight discomfort, maybe a little gentle pressure, but not pain.” Because he uses smooth silicone nasal tampons and internal splints that don't adhere to the skin, the removal process is quick and controlled.
If the stents are too large, they can stretch the nostrils and cause sore and damaged areas. If the nose becomes sore, the stents might need to be replaced in another operation. There is a slight risk of infection but this is greatly reduced by cleaning the area carefully as taught.
Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it does not require a large, open incision in the body and is not considered major surgery. However, before you get a stent, you may need certain tests or some medicines to prepare for the procedure.
It is normal to have a blocked nose after nasal surgery. Often the nose is clear immediately after the operation, but gradually blocks up over the next few hours. It is common for the nose to be blocked for three weeks before the nasal airway begins to improve.
You will probably be able to return to work or school in a few days and to your normal routine in about 3 weeks. But this varies with your job and how much surgery you had. Most people recover fully in 1 to 2 months. You will have to visit your doctor during the 3 to 4 months after your surgery.
Chronic sinusitis is long-lasting swelling or infection in your sinuses. Unlike acute sinusitis, which typically goes away within 10 days, chronic sinusitis may last 12 weeks or more. Healthcare providers can help cure it, but you may need several different kinds of treatment to make it go away for good.
Surgery Overview
This allows the doctor to remove small amounts of bone or other material blocking the sinus openings. The doctor can also remove growths (polyps) of the mucous membrane. In some cases a laser is used to burn away tissue blocking the sinus opening.
Sleeping on Your Back
One of the safest positions post-surgery is on your back, as it helps prevent any unintended pressure on your nose. If you're not accustomed to sleeping on your back, it's wise to practice this position before surgery.
For the first week following surgery you should not blow your nose. In addition, you should not bend, strain, or lift more than 20 lbs.
First Few Days (0-3 Days)
Expect significant swelling, congestion, and mild to moderate discomfort during the first 72 hours. Light oozing or blood‑tinged drainage is common; wear a drip pad under the nose and change it whenever damp.
Discharge advice for nasal care
Your doctor will let you know how long you need for recovery, but in general, you should rest for 1 to 2 weeks. If you need a fitness to work note (sometimes known as a sick note) for time off work, please ask the medical staff before you leave the hospital.
Although the removal of internal nasal splints can be mildly uncomfortable or even momentarily painful, most patients tolerate it well without the need for anesthesia.
After 1 week, assuming you've had a more 'standard sinus surgery' alone, you may blow your nose gently but please confirm with your physician beforehand. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. 2. Refrain from strenuous activity for one week, including bending, straining, or lifting more than 20 lbs.
Navigating the cycle. Symptom relief often requires sinus surgery after medicines fail. Even though sinus surgery helps remove nasal polyps, sinus surgery is not a cure and your nasal polyps may pop up again. In fact, it's common for nasal polyps to come back and require additional treatments.
The patient's nose does not change in any way due to turbinate reduction. It is possible, however, to change the shape of your nose with septoplasty, which is often done in conjunction with turbinate reduction.
Blood clotting - A blood clot is the most serious complication that can occur within the stent. Blood clots can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and thromboembolism to another part of the body. Chest pain – Chest pain is a symptom of re-stenosis.
The stent will expand when the balloon is inflated and remains in place when the balloon is deflated and removed. A coronary angioplasty usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. If you're being treated for angina, you'll normally be able to go home later the same day or the day after you have the procedure.
Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity such as heavy lifting, as well as follow a heart-healthy diet after the stent placement, the most preferred would be the Mediterranean diet.