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This handout will explain the guidelines you need to follow at home after ENT surgery.
Activity
Use 2-3 pillows to keep your head raised 30 degrees lying down.
Do not sleep on the side of your surgery.
No strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. This means no jogging, exercise classes, swimming or contact sports. Your doctor will give you more guidelines, if needed.
Avoid bending. Keep your head higher than your heart for 1-2 weeks.
Do not lift more than 25 pounds.
You may return to work in 1-2 weeks. It will depend on the type of work you do.
Do not use a straw if you had nose or ear surgery.
Do not drive or drink alcohol while you take narcotic pain medicine.
Diet
Your diet will depend on what kind of surgery you have had. Your doctor will tell you if you have any restrictions.
Incision Care
Before you leave the hospital, you will be told how to care for any incisions. You may shower and gently wash the incision after 24 hours after or after any drains are removed.
Watch for any signs of infection:
Redness
Tenderness
Swelling
Pus-like drainage
Warmth at the incision site
Fever of 101° or higher, taken twice, 4 hours apart
Other Tips
Do not take any aspirin, ibuprofen or other blood thinning products for the week after your surgery, unless ordered by your doctor.
If you have numb areas, do not use a heating pad or ice pack and be careful when using a razor or hair dryer.
No air travel until cleared by your doctor.
When to Call
Bleeding that soaks through 5-6 gauze dressings in less than 1 hour
Any signs of infection
Pain not relieved by pain medicine.
Increased swelling of the head or neck
Any changes in facial movement such as facial droop on one side that wasn’t present after surgery or is getting worse
Questions or problems
Trouble breathing: Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
Who to Call
University Hospital ENT Clinic
(608) 263-6190 or 1(800) 323-8942
S. Park St. Medical Center- ENT Clinic
(608)-287-2500
After hours and weekends, the clinic number is sent to the paging operator. Ask for the ENT resident on call. Leave your name and number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
