Green/Bloody Mucous Discharge after Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction.

Question

I had septoplasty & turbinate reduction surgery done 2 weeks ago. I had splints in my nose for a week, which were removed about a week ago. My concern is that my right nostril is basically great. It is generally clear and when I use the saline rinse, it always runs clear. My left nostril is a different story. I have to use the neti pot approx every 2-3 hours to remove the blockage and consistently get a lot of green and/or bloody mucous out. Should I be worried about infection?

David Q. Santos, MD · Answer

After a septoplasty surgery drainage, crusting, debris, and mucus are common and the nasal irrigation treatments are needed as you are doing.  Discolored drainage of a yellow green nature is not too concerning in the first days after the surgery, however, when yellow green active drainage ensues after a week I feel that it is prudent to utilize oral antibiotics to treat any underlying nasal, nasal septal surgical site, or sinus related infection.

Green/Bloody Mucous Discharge after Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction.

Answers (1)