Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) | Head & Neck Surgery, KTPH

Recovery

• Avoid heavy physical activity in the next 3 weeks, walking is permitted and encouraged

• Gradual resumption with light exercise from 3rd week onwards if cleared by your main surgeon

• Avoid sick contacts and minimise interactions in public places to minimise the risk of cold or flu. Precautions such as hand hygiene and mask-wearing can help minimise this

• Avoid hard nose blowing and coughing. If you must sneeze, do so through open mouth

• Symptoms such as dizziness, temporary taste changes, blood staining from ear secretions are common post-operatively and are expected to take 2-3 weeks to resolve

• You may shower one day after surgery with ear care precautions (end of instructions)

• Suspend smoking 1 month pre and post-surgery for optimal healing

Diet

• Maintain adequate hydration and upkeep nutrition via adequate oral intake

• There are no specific food restrictions, unless instructed otherwise (e.g. for another operation)

Pain Management

Adequate pain management is important for a smooth post-operative recovery

Pain control for ear surgery involves as-needed basis pain relief medication as prescribed (May differ depending on consultant practise)

• Panadeine or Paracetamol(1g) 2 tablets every 6hrs/as needed. Reduce dose if it makes you sleepy. This medication includes paracetamol and opioids, do NOT use with other paracetamol or opioid containing medications

• Lactulose 10mls 3 times a day to prevent constipation as needed

• Tetracycline or Chloramphenicol ointment 1 application 3 times a day to incision sites if present

Ear Care

• There are multiple layers of packing in the ear, please do not remove deep inner ear foam dressing

• Outer layers of dressing and cotton balls may be removed if stained or wet

• Apply ear drops from the 2nd day after your operation onwards or as directed by your surgeon

• Lie with the operated ear facing up for ear medication to stay in the ear for 1 min

• Apply a thin layer of tetracycline 3% (antibiotic) ointment over ear/tragal wound twice a day for 2 weeks
 

During Shower
 

Emergency Advice

• Small amount of blood stains from ear secretions (or even saliva) are expected

• First aid measures include constant manual compression with gauze/dressing for approximately 15 mins

• In the event of profuse bleeding (e.g. persistent ooze/clots from nose or mouth) that do not stop with first aid measures. Please proceed to the nearest emergency department or available healthcare provider

• If you have questions or concerns, please contact the clinic or through the contact centre and one of our team members will respond at the earliest convenience.

To make an appointment with C62 ENT Clinic, call 6555 8828.

ENT.PE.12.1125