Patient Education

Aerodigestive

Tract Surgery

Post Operative Instructions

Surgery on the larynx, esophagus, tongue or lower throat areas causes discomfort and pain. This is typically not severe, but varies from patient to patient, depending on the nature of the surgery and the pain tolerances of the individual. At Alabama ENT, getting your life back to normal quickly and safely is our chief concern. Much of that will depend on how closely you follow the instructions in this handout. So please read over this brief pamphlet, and make sure that what it contains is clear to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon.

HOME CARE: the first few days…

NO SMOKE! Smoking, smokeless tobacco products, and second-hand smoke increase your chances of bleeding and infection following your surgery. This is especially important for patients who have had surgery on their larynx.
REST YOUR VOICE: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding how long you should rest your voice. But, the basic rule of thumb is: Use your voice as little as possible. Use a notepad or scratch paper to communicate with friends and family. Don’t whisper! It is not “better” for your voice. In fact, whispering can place an unnatural tension on your vocal cords and prolong the healing process. Also, do not sing, until given permission by your surgeon.
MEDICATION: Complete your prescribed medication. Do not skip any days or dosages, and continue taking it until it is gone. Your faithfulness in taking your medication will help to shorten your recovery.
MOISTURE: Place a cool-mist humidifier at the head of your bed to insure moist air for breathing while you sleep or rest. This will minimize your discomfort by providing moisture to the mucous membranes in the throat and larynx.
SLEEP & RESTING: Elevate your head while sleeping or resting to minimize swelling and pressure, and to allow proper drainage.
DIETARY CAUTIONS: Avoid liquids or foods that contain citric acid (E.g. fruit juices, smoothies, etc.) for 3-5 days after surgery. Citric-containing foods will increase your pain and discomfort following surgery. Also, avoid spicy, greasy or abrasive foods for the first few days. You may drink plenty of liquids following your surgery, unless specifically instructed not to do so.
WHAT TO EXPECT: It is normal to feel a lump sensation or mild ear pain when swallowing, if your surgery or exam involved your esophagus. You may have similar sensations if a biopsy or cyst removal was performed on your lower throat or the areas near the back of your tongue. This typically disappears after a few days.

Follow-up Appointment

Our office will contact you 2-3 days after your surgery to schedule a follow-up appointment. Typically, the appointment will be within 2-3 weeks of the date of your surgery. Do not miss your follow-up appointments. They are vital in monitoring your progress and recovery.

Call the Office if…

You have prolonged coughing, severe chest pain or vomiting following your surgery.
You have difficulty breathing or severe tongue swelling or bleeding.

Back…

	Patient Education Aerodigestive Tract Surgery Post Operative Instructions
Surgery on the larynx, esophagus, tongue or lower throat areas causes discomfort and pain. This is typically not severe, but varies from patient to patient, depending on the nature of the surgery and the pain tolerances of the individual. At Alabama ENT, getting your life back to normal quickly and safely is our chief concern. Much of that will depend on how closely you follow the instructions in this handout. So please read over this brief pamphlet, and make sure that what it contains is clear to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon.
HOME CARE: the first few days… NO SMOKE! Smoking, smokeless tobacco products, and second-hand smoke increase your chances of bleeding and infection following your surgery. This is especially important for patients who have had surgery on their larynx. *REST YOUR VOICE:* Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding how long you should rest your voice. But, the basic rule of thumb is: Use your voice as little as possible. Use a notepad or scratch paper to communicate with friends and family. Don’t whisper! It is not “better” for your voice. In fact, whispering can place an unnatural tension on your vocal cords and prolong the healing process. Also, do not sing, until given permission by your surgeon. *MEDICATION: Complete your prescribed medication. Do not skip any days or dosages, and continue taking it until it is gone. Your faithfulness in taking your medication will help to shorten your recovery. MOISTURE: Place a cool-mist humidifier at the head of your bed to insure moist air for breathing while you sleep or rest. This will minimize your discomfort by providing moisture to the mucous membranes in the throat and larynx. SLEEP & RESTING:* Elevate your head while sleeping or resting to minimize swelling and pressure, and to allow proper drainage. *DIETARY CAUTIONS:* Avoid liquids or foods that contain citric acid (E.g. fruit juices, smoothies, etc.) for 3-5 days after surgery. Citric-containing foods will increase your pain and discomfort following surgery. Also, avoid spicy, greasy or abrasive foods for the first few days. You may drink plenty of liquids following your surgery, unless specifically instructed not to do so. WHAT TO EXPECT: It is normal to feel a lump sensation or mild ear pain when swallowing, if your surgery or exam involved your esophagus. You may have similar sensations if a biopsy or cyst removal was performed on your lower throat or the areas near the back of your tongue. This typically disappears after a few days.
Follow-up Appointment Our office will contact you 2-3 days after your surgery to schedule a follow-up appointment. Typically, the appointment will be within 2-3 weeks of the date of your surgery. Do not miss your follow-up appointments. They are vital in monitoring your progress and recovery.
Call the Office if… You have prolonged coughing, severe chest pain or vomiting following your surgery. You have difficulty breathing or severe tongue swelling or bleeding.
Back…	Copyright 2005 Alabama ENT Associates - Last Revised: 05/02/05