After a transphenoidal approach, which instruction promotes healing?

After a transphenoidal approach, which instruction promotes healing?

• A. Avoid blowing your nose and keep head of bed elevated
• B. Sit upright for long periods to aid drainage
• C. Tilt head back to facilitate venous return
• D. Lie flat with head turned to the side

Answer: (A)

After a transsphenoidal approach, healing is aided by keeping pressure changes at the operative site as small as possible. Elevating the head of the bed about 30 degrees lowers intracranial and nasal-pressure, reducing strain on the surgical seal and helping prevent CSF leaks. Avoiding blowing the nose is important because forcing air and secretions through the nasal passage can disrupt the graft and push CSF through the operative tract. Other positions raise or shift pressure at the site or place the head in a way that can compromise healing—tilting the head back increases venous and intracranial pressure, lying flat with the head turned can place stress on the surgical area, and long periods sitting upright may not provide the same protective effect as proper head elevation.

After a transsphenoidal approach, healing is aided by keeping pressure changes at the operative site as small as possible. Elevating the head of the bed about 30 degrees lowers intracranial and nasal-pressure, reducing strain on the surgical seal and helping prevent CSF leaks. Avoiding blowing the nose is important because forcing air and secretions through the nasal passage can disrupt the graft and push CSF through the operative tract.

Other positions raise or shift pressure at the site or place the head in a way that can compromise healing—tilting the head back increases venous and intracranial pressure, lying flat with the head turned can place stress on the surgical area, and long periods sitting upright may not provide the same protective effect as proper head elevation.