Prior to Surgery:

It is important to stop taking aspirin two weeks prior to the surgery, and ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin®, etc.) and Aleve® one week prior to the surgery.

The night before surgery, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight.  If the patient has been instructed otherwise during their pre-admission testing appointment, follow those instructions.

What to Expect:

• For the first three to five days after the surgery, the patient may have a mild to moderate amount of discomfort in the throat, neck or possibly the ears. This usually can be controlled with Tylenol® (acetaminophen) in liquid, pill, or suppository form.
• It is extremely important to drink lots of fluid. Clear liquids are the best, as milk products can thicken the mucous and this may be more difficult to swallow. Citrus fruit juices may burn the throat for the first few days after surgery, thus they should be avoided. No foods with sharp edges should be taken in at all until two weeks after the procedure. Often, only liquids will be desired in the first few days after the surgery. Suggested soft foods include: broth, noodle soups, mashed potatoes, oatmeal without raisins, macaroni and cheese, pancakes or French toast softened with butter and syrup, yogurt.
• Call our office if the patient has a fever of over 101°. An antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent infection.

Restrictions:

• Dietary restrictions are as noted above, and include avoiding sharp-edged foods for the first two weeks after the surgery. Once this period of time is complete, there are no further dietary limitations.
• For the first two days after surgery, it is important to rest. Refrain from any vigorous activity. Children should stay home from school, and adults from work. After this, resumption of school and work is allowed, but vigorous physical activity, including gym and recess, should be avoided one week after surgery. A note excusing the patient may be obtained from the office.
• After this period of time, all restrictions on activity are lifted.  Driving is prohibited while taking prescription pain medicine. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should be avoided for ten days after surgery.
• If bleeding occurs (a very rare occurrence) and lasts more than a minute, or is more than a few drops mixed with mucous, please call the office.
• Follow-up with our office as scheduled, or call for an appointment.

Please call 610-374-5599 with any questions or concerns.