POST OP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CALDWELL-LUC OPERATION

DIET:

- The Caldwell-Luc procedure is performed through a gingivolabial incision (between the upper lip and the gum line).  This causes pain on chewing or moving the upper lip. Soft food is recommended; however, if the wound is not painful and you are able to chew, you may eat a regular diet. 

PATIENTS WITH DENTURES:

- If you have dentures, it is important to keep them in place for 7 days following your procedure.  If they accidentally fall, replace them immediately. Immediate wearing of the dentures prevents your gum from swelling; otherwise, you will need to have new dentures made. 

WOUND CARE AND RELATED INFORMATION:

1. Elevate the head at all times. Sit in a recliner or use two or three pillows when sleeping. Head elevation reduces bleeding and swelling.

2. The upper lip may be slightly swollen and numb.  You may also experience numbness of the upper teeth and cheeks. 

3.  If you have nasal packs or splints, do not remove them. You may have to breathe from your mouth if the splints get occluded with mucus or clots.  Limited nasal bleeding is expected for two to three days after surgery. If this occurs, just change the drip pad as needed and keep the nostril clean. Clean the dried blood and secretions from the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide 3% and Q-tips.

DO I NEED TO CLEAN THE SUTURES?

1. Sutures dissolve and do not need to be cleaned or removed. 

2. Please do not pick at suture line with your tongue or with a toothbrush.

3. You may use the mouth wash of your choice.  Please do not force the mouthwash between the lips and the gums, this may rupture the sutures.

4. If you wear dentures, do not remove them to clean them for one week.  If they accidentally fall, please replace them immediately.  If the gum swells, you may end up needing new dentures.

WHEN CAN I TAKE A SHOWER?

If you only have an intra-oral incision, you may take a shower anytime. Make sure you have someone with you in the house in case you feel drowsy or faint from taking pain killers.

MEDICATIONS:

- An antibiotic is usually prescribed following the surgery. The patient also receives a prescription for narcotic pain killers. These products cause somnolence, drowsiness and constipation.  Patients who take painkillers should not operate machinery, drive or make important decisions.

- Do not use aspirin or other over the counter pain relievers that can increase the risk for bleeding for 2 weeks; Tylenol does not inhibit platelets as other medications and may be used.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS TO CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN AFTER SURGERY?

- Any bright red bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes, or is excessive, should be reported to our ENT service immediately.  If this occurs after normal business hours, present to the nearest emergency department emergently.  Swallowed blood may cause black, tarry stools, nausea, and vomiting. The black stools may last several weeks.

- Pain not relieved by Tylenol or other prescribed pain relievers should be reported.

- Because the surgical site is located near the eyes, some puffiness may be seen; however, if the swelling of the face or eyes increases significantly, notify the office immediately.

- Any change in vision should be reported to our office immediately.

- Headache complaints are normal the day of surgery and may be present for 1 to 2 days after. If the headache continues, please call the office.

- Any fever over 101 F (38C) occurring before your scheduled follow up office visit should be reported to the office.