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 two weeks after the procedure there will be throat, neck and possibly ear pain.  A prescription for pain medicine will be dispensed. This can be used regularly or Tylenol® may be used in liquid, pill or suppository form. Do not be surprised or concerned if there is an increase in pain during the fifth through the seventh days after surgery.
• It is extremely important to drink lots of fluids. Clear liquids are the best, as milk products can thicken the mucous and this may be more difficult to swallow. 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 five to eight days after 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, and yogurt. Citrus fruit juices and tomato soups may burn, and thus should be avoided for the first two weeks. Patients usually lose several pounds in the first two weeks after surgery.
• There will be white, yellow or gray patches at the surgical site(s).  These represent scabs and may temporarily cause bad breath.
• Call our office if the patient has a fever of over 101°. An antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent infection.

Restrictions:

• For the first week after surgery, it is important to rest. Refrain from any vigorous activity. Adults should stay home from work. A note excusing the patient can be obtained from the office.
• During the second week after the operation, adults may return to work as long as this is a sedentary occupation (no lifting over 10-15 pounds).
• Two weeks after surgery, all restrictions on activity are lifted.
• Driving is prohibited while taking prescription pain medicine.
• Dietary restrictions are as noted above and include avoiding any sharp-edged foods for the first two weeks after surgery.  Once this period of time is complete, there are no further dietary limitations. It may take another week or two to be comfortable eating solid foods.
• Avoid taking aspirin and aspirin containing products for ten days after surgery.
• If bleeding occurs and lasts more than a minute, or is more than a few drops mixed with mucous, please call the office.
• Do not smoke as this may cause increased pain.
• Follow up in our office as scheduled or, please call to make this appointment.

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