About Antral Washout
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate relief from sinus pressure, pain, and congestion.Effectively clears infected mucus and pus that medications cannot reach.Can be both diagnostic (to obtain a culture) and therapeutic.Minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short duration.Helps restore normal sinus drainage and ventilation.Often performed as a day-care procedure, allowing quick return home./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic or recurrent acute maxillary sinusitis unresponsive to medical therapy (antibiotics, nasal steroids).
- Persistent sinus symptoms like facial pain, pressure, or purulent nasal discharge.
- Suspected fungal sinusitis requiring irrigation and culture.
- To obtain a sample of sinus secretions for microbiological culture and sensitivity.
- As an adjunct procedure during other sinus surgeries like FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery).
- Complicated acute sinusitis with suspected collection of pus (empyema).
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough ENT evaluation, which may include a nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the sinuses.
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon, typically 5-7 days prior.
- Inform the doctor of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions.
- Fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation may be used.
- Pre-operative blood tests may be required to assess fitness for anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding from the nasal or sinus lining, which is usually minor.
- Infection at the surgical site or spread of infection.
- Injury to adjacent structures like teeth, the orbit (eye socket), or blood vessels (rare).
- Persistent or recurrent sinus symptoms requiring further treatment.
- Complications related to anesthesia, such as nausea or allergic reactions.
- Temporary numbness or pain in the upper teeth or cheek.
- Formation of scar tissue (synechiae) within the nose.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Expect some bloody nasal discharge and mild facial discomfort for the first 24-48 hours.
- Use prescribed nasal saline sprays and antibiotic/steroid drops as directed to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Avoid blowing your nose forcefully for at least one week; sneeze with your mouth open.
- Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for 5-7 days.
- Keep the head elevated while sleeping for the first few nights to reduce swelling.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for nasal cleaning and monitoring of healing.
- Stay well-hydrated and use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically day-care)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering antral washout in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for antral washout in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform antral washout. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for antral washout compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Antral Washout in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing antral washout.
Vivaan Williams, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...
Vivaan Williams, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had always been active and social. For over a year, he battled a persistent, dull pressure and pain behind his cheeks and eyes, accompanied by constant thick, yellow nasal discharge and a reduced sense of smell. Multiple courses of antibiotics provided only temporary relief. His ENT specialist, Dr. Evans, explained that Vivaan had chronic maxillary sinusitis that wasn't responding to medication. The sinuses were likely blocked with infected material. Dr. Evans recommended an Antral Washout (sinus lavage) to physically flush out the infection and break the cycle. On the day of the procedure, performed under general anesthesia, Vivaan was anxious but hopeful. He woke up with significant nasal congestion and some bloody discharge, which was expected. Over the next week, as he irrigated his nose with saline, the congestion cleared dramatically. The facial pressure vanished, and his sense of smell began to return. Emotionally, Vivaan had grown frustrated and withdrawn, feeling his vibrant life was on hold. After the procedure, he felt a profound sense of relief and liberation, eagerly planning his return to hiking and social gatherings without the constant burden of sinus pain.
ENT Specialists for Antral Washout
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform antral washout and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore