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:

• There may be mild to moderate ear discomfort after this procedure. This may radiate to the same side of the face, neck or throat. Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or prescription pain medicine may be used to control the pain.
• Ear drainage (pink, red, clear, yellow) is expected. Change the cotton ball in the outer ear regularly to help draw the moisture out of the ear. Leave cotton in the inner ear in place. The ear may feel numb. This should gradually improve over time (weeks). Eardrops and antibiotics by mouth may be prescribed and should be used as directed.

Restrictions:

• The patient should not blow their nose until the surgeon gives the okay to do so. If the patient needs to sneeze, this should be done with the mouth open (“achoo”!) This allows the air to rush out through the mouth and does not increase the pressure on the ear.
• Showers are permitted after a cotton ball coated with Vaseline® is put in the ear.
• Swimming and dunking the affected ear in tub water is prohibited until otherwise directed by the surgeon.
• Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should be avoided for the first ten days after this procedure.
• Avoid heavy lifting (nothing over ten pounds) and straining for the first two weeks after surgery.
• The patient may drive as long as they are not dizzy and are not taking any prescription pain medicine.
• Follow up in our office as scheduled, or please call our office to make this appointment.

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