1. Diet
Patients may resume a regular diet without special restrictions. Many patients note a scratchy throat from the endotracheal tube for the first day or two and may prefer soft foods initially.
2. Activity
Light to moderate activity as tolerated is fine. Patients may turn the head from side to side and look up and down without any worry about stitches. Heavy lifting, straining and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least one week following surgery.
3. Pain
Neck pain and neck stiffness are to be expected. Your physician will prescribe a narcotic pain medication. You may use this as prescribed for severe pain. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medications. Some patients prefer acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) for milder pain control. Narcotics can cause constipation; stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace®) can be helpful for this. Please contact our office nurse at 908-788-9131 if any redness, increased swelling or increased pain develops at the surgery site.
4. Medications
Patients should resume all regular medications after surgery. Aspirin and/or other blood thinners may be resumed the day after surgery.
5. Nausea/Vomiting
Some patients can experience nausea and/or vomiting after surgery. Your physician may prescribe a medicine for nausea. Call the office at 908-787-9131 and speak with our nurse if this is a problem.
6. Bathing
Patients may shower or bathe normally. It is okay to get water on your incision. If you have stitches, it is okay to get them wet. If you have a plastic bandage over your incision, you may get this wet also.
7. Care of Incision
Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin® or Bacitracin® to the area twice daily.
8. Drain
Some patients may have a drain in place after surgery. Please follow instructions provided at the hospital for specific care. Drains are usually removed the day after surgery.
Call Hunterdon Otolaryngology & Allergy Associates for more information or to schedule an appointment.(908) 788-9131