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

Recovery

• Avoid strenuous exercise 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 excessive throat clearing and coughing. You may have the sensation of something foreign in your throat. It may be due to swelling, surgical stitches, or a "scab." Symptoms such as phlegm production, temporary smell/taste changes, blood staining in saliva/nasal secretions is common post operatively and are expected to take 2-3 weeks to resolve

• Try to keep your head elevated as much as possible. Sleep on several pillows or in a reclining chair

Pain Management

• Pain is expected to increase in the first few days and peak around days 5-7

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

Medication

Please take the medications prescribed (May differ depending on consultant practise)

Anti-inflammatory medication that reduces swelling:

• Prednisolone, tapered dose over 1 week

• Celebrex 1 tablet every 12 hours

Pain medications:

• Panadeine 2 tablets every 6 hours/as needed. Reduce dose if it makes you sleepy. As this medication contains paracetamol and opioids, do NOT use with other paracetamol or opioid containing medications

• Oxynorm 1 tablet every 6hours/as needed. Reduce dose if it makes you sleepy. As this medication contains opioids, do NOT use with Panadeine or other opioid containing medications at the same time

• Lidocaine oral topical solution (viscous) 2%: apply a dab (1/4 tsp, but may increase up to 1tsp = 5ml) to your mouth/throat as needed for pain, up to every 3 hours, ok to swallow. Alternatively, mixing with water (1:1 ratio) for oral gargle and spit

• Difflam lozenges and/or forte spray as needed every 4-hourly

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

Diet

• Maintain adequate hydration and upkeep nutrition via adequate oral intake

• Drink at least 6 cups of fluids (e.g., water, juice, soft drink, milkshakes) per day

• You can eat soft foods (e.g., ice cream, porridge, soft noodles, tofu, eggs, ...) as soon as you feel ready

• You can eat regular food (e.g. rice, sliced meats) as soon as you feel ready but no earlier than 2 weeks

Follow-up

Follow-up in the ENT clinic 3-4 weeks after surgery. If you do not have an appointment, then call the ENT Surgery Clinic to schedule an appointment.

Emergency Advice

• Small amounts of blood stains in the saliva/spit secretions are expected

• Rinse your mouth with cold water and rest in a chair with head elevated

• In the event of heavy bleeding (e.g. persistent ooze/clots from nose or mouth that doesn't stop after ice gargle for a while), please proceed to the nearest emergency department or available healthcare provider

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

ENT.PE.10.1125