Surgery

On the day of nasal and paranasal sinus cancer surgery

Knowing what happens on the day of surgery, including having an anaesthetic, can help you feel more prepared. You can still ask any questions you might have about your operation.

Before your operation

When you arrive, the ward staff start getting you ready for your operation.

You will have been told when to stop eating and drinking before you go into hospital. If you are going in the night before, this will happen on the ward.

You’ll see your surgeon and before you go to the operating theatre. They will go over everything again to make sure you know what to expect. You can ask any questions you have. You sign a for the operation if you didn't do it at the pre assessment clinic.

You might have a drip (intravenous infusion) put into your arm before your surgery so that you can have fluids through it. This makes sure you are not dehydrated before your operation.

A few hours before your operation

Your nurse will go through a series of questions on a checklist to make sure you are ready for surgery. They ask you to:

tell them when you last had something to eat and drink
change into a hospital gown
put on a pair of anti embolism stockings - these help prevent blood clots
take off any jewellery - you may be able to keep a wedding ring on
remove contact lenses if you have them
wear a hospital identification band - this is normally on your wrist

If you have false teeth you can usually keep them in until you get to the anaesthetic room.

Medicine to relax

Your nurse might give you a tablet or an injection to help you relax. This will be an hour or so before you go to the operating theatre. This makes your mouth feel dry. But you can rinse your mouth with water to keep it moist.

Your nurse and a porter take you to theatre on a trolley if you’ve had this medicine. You can walk down to the theatre if you haven't had any.

Having an anaesthetic

You have an anaesthetic so that you can’t feel anything during the operation. You have this in the anaesthetic room or the operating theatre.

All the doctors and nurses wear theatre gowns, hats and masks. This reduces your chance of getting an infection.

Last reviewed: 05 Jan 2024

Next review due: 05 Jan 2027

After surgery for nasal and paranasal sinus cancer

Waking up from surgery can feel strange, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control.

Surgery for nasal and paranasal sinus cancer

The type of surgery you have for nasal and paranasal sinus cancer depends on the position and stage of your cancer.

Problems after nasal and paranasal sinus surgery

The position of your cancer and the type of operation you have may affect you in one or more ways. But there are people that can support you.

Living with nasal and paranasal sinus cancer

There is support available during and after treatment to help you cope. This includes support from your clinical nurse specialist, cancer charities, community services, and family and friends.

What is nasal and paranasal sinus cancer?

Cancer can start in the lining of the space behind the nose (nasal cavity) or the nearby air cavities (paranasal sinuses) and sometimes spread to lymph nodes and rarely other parts of the body.