This system provides the surgeon with a real-time display of a surgical instrument's location and trajectory overlayed on the patient's CT scan for extremely precise control. The risks, goals, benefits and expectations are thoroughly discussed, and the patient's questions are answered to his or her satisfaction. General anesthesia under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist is usually recommended. At the conclusion of the procedure, a small gauze dressing is placed beneath the nose. After fully recovering from anesthesia, patients will be allowed to go home.
Patients usually have little to no pain, bruising or swelling.
Little is required of the patient in terms of care. Rest, medication and replacement of the dressing beneath the nose are all that is usually necessary. Packing, if present, is removed by the surgeon about one to three days later in the office. Close post-operative care is essential after sinus surgery to help ensure optimal results are realized. Patients are given specific post-operative schedules based on their unique situations.