Pituitary Gland Surgery (Trans-sphenoidal approach)

Postoperative care instructions for home

• Diet. There are no dietary restrictions. If your physician has placed you on fluid restrictions, please follow these restrictions until you are told to stop.
• Activity. Do not lift objects greater that 10 lbs. Avoid bending over to pick up objects. Keep your head elevated on 2 or more pillows when in bed; this helps to alleviate swelling. Avoid blowing your nose, until the splints have been removed.
• It is normal for crusts to form in the nose after surgery. Use salt water nasal spray, 2 sprays in each nostril 4 times a day. This will help to minimize crust formation.
• There may be plastic splints inside the nose. These will be removed in the office around 1 week after the surgery.
• Wound Care. You may use a cotton gauze pad under your nose to catch any drainage. The stitches under the lip will dissolve on their own over 2-3 weeks. You might have some numbness or mild swelling of your upper lip. This numbness and swelling will resolve in time.
• If there is an abdominal wound, keep it clean and dry. If either of your wounds becomes suddenly swollen, red, more painful, or if you develop temperature over 101.5F, call the office immediately.
• Medications. For pain, use Tylenol, Extra-Strength Tylenol or prescribed medication as directed. The pain is usually not severe and will subside in a few days. Do not use aspirin or aspirin containing medications (see a list of these medications to avoid).
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions while you are taking narcotic pain medications. Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you need refills on your medications, please call during regular business hours.
• Warning signs. Call the office for bleeding, purulent or persistent, clear nasal drainage, or fever above 101.5 F.