Procedure prep
Fasting Before Sinus & Nose Surgery
Surgery to straighten the septum (septoplasty) or open the sinuses (functional endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS) is done under general anesthesia. Fasting is standard — and avoiding medicines that increase bleeding is especially important for nose surgery.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Aspirin, anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) and fish oil — these increase bleeding, which matters a lot for nose surgery; ask how many days before to stop. See medications to stop.
- Blood thinners (clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — need a specific stop/restart plan.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — see diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — usually continued with a sip of water; good BP control reduces bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
- A heavy cold, nosebleed, or sinus flare-up just before surgery
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any blood tests, ECG, or scans your team asked for
- Consent forms or referral letters, and allergy details
- Your sinus CT scan report
- A responsible adult to drive you home (usually a day case)
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general anesthesia, spinal/regional, or sedation?
- Which medicines do I take or hold on the morning of surgery?
- When can I eat and drink afterward?
- Will I go home the same day, and who can drive me?
- How many days before should I stop aspirin and anti-inflammatories?
- Will I have nasal packing or splints, and when do they come out?
- What can I use for pain if I can't take ibuprofen?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before septoplasty or sinus surgery?
Yes. Septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are done under general anesthesia, so stop solids about 8 hours before and clear liquids about 2 hours before your arrival time.
Why should I stop aspirin and ibuprofen before nose surgery?
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and fish-oil supplements thin the blood and can cause more bleeding during and after nose surgery, where bleeding is harder to control. Ask your surgeon how many days before to stop them, and what to use for pain instead (often paracetamol/acetaminophen).
Will my nose be blocked after surgery?
Usually yes for a while. You may have soft packing or splints inside the nose, and it will feel congested as it heals. Don't blow your nose until your surgeon says it's safe, and breathe through your mouth as needed. Packing/splints are removed at a follow-up visit.