Patients who suffer from chronic sinus infections may benefit from sinus surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon removes blockages or excess tissue within the sinuses, making it easier for mucus to drain from the sinuses. Patients should discuss the potential side effects of sinus surgery with a doctor prior to undergoing this form of treatment.
Bloody Discharge or Bleeding
Bloody nasal discharge is a common side effect during the first few days following sinus surgery, the American Rhinologic Society reports. This discharge can temporarily clog the sinuses, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose. Patients can also experience nasal bleeding as a side effect of sinus surgery. Mild nasal bleeding is normal and typically resolves without further treatment. Patients who develop profuse or persistent nasal bleeding may require additional surgical intervention to resolve this sinus surgery side effect and should contact a doctor immediately.
Nasal or Sinus Infection
Sinus surgery can increase a patient's risk of developing a nasal or sinus infection. A nasal or sinus infection can lead to nasal irritation or congestion and typically requires additional antibiotic treatment.
Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leakage
Infrequently, a surgeon can accidentally damage the bone at the top of the sinuses that separates this region of the body from the brain. Damage to this bone can cause fluid leakage from the brain, MedlinePlus warns. Cerebral spinal fluid leakage can increase a patient's risk of developing a life-threatening infection called meningitis. Although the damaged bone may repair itself without further medical intervention, persistent cerebral spinal fluid leakage may require additional surgery to repair the site of the leak. Patients who develop symptoms of meningitis such as a severe, throbbing headache, stiff neck or high fever after sinus surgery should contact a doctor immediately.
Blurred Vision
The optic nerve can be inadvertently damaged by surgical tools during sinus surgery. If this occurs, patients can experience blurred or cloudy vision or temporary vision loss. Vision side effects typically resolve as a patient begins to heal following the surgery.
Oral Numbness
Patients can develop sensations of numbness or tingling along the upper teeth as a side effect of sinus surgery, MedlinePlus reports. These sensations arise due to nerve damage within the sinuses. Uncomfortable oral numbness side effects are temporary and progressively subside within a few days or weeks after surgery.
Decreased Sense of Smell
Nerve damage within the sinuses can cause a decrease in a patient's sense of smell . Nasal sensory problems after surgery are rare but should be discussed with a doctor if they occur.
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