HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING VOCAL CORD OR LARYNGEAL SURGERY:

              

DIET

- You may experience some sore throat or a sore tongue from the operation.  This is due to the pressure that the retracting device exerts on the tissues.  Because some patients suffer from nausea or occasionally vomiting after general anesthesia, it is always a good idea to eat a light meal or just liquids after the operation.  You may resume your normal diet the next day.  Please drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeinated products. Dehydration is extremely harmful to the vocal cords.

VOICE REST

1. Please observe relative voice rest for at least fourteen days. This gives the raw tissue in the larynx a chance to begin to heal. Occasionally, if the surgery has been extensive, you might be requested to observe absolute voice rest.

2. Hoarseness may last up to 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, tissue swelling will gradually decrease and the lining of the vocal cords will regenerate.

3. If you must speak, please do so in a normal tone of voice. This creates less trauma to the vocal cords than whispering or shouting.

4. Avoid excessive coughing or throat clearing. These are two of the most damaging things you can do to the vocal cords, especially during the healing process.

5. Sleeping in a cool, humidified room is beneficial.

6. It is important that you DO NOT SMOKE for a minimum of 6 weeks following surgery.

MEDICATIONS

- An antibiotic may be 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.

- Antacids may be prescribed or helpful if there is a history of heartburn or reflux.

- Aspirin. Ibuprofen, Motrin and other medications that inhibit platelets should be avoided for the first 10-14 days after this procedure to decrease the risk for bleeding. Tylenol and other prescribed pain relievers should be used to control pain.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR 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

- If you experience any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing so that you are unable to catch your breathe you should present to the nearest emergency department emergently as this could represent a uncommon but potentially very serious narrowing or blockage of your airway.

- Headache complaints are normal the day of surgery and may be present for 1 to 3 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.