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Laryngoscopy

Your doctor has recommended that you have a laryngoscopy. This surgery is suggested for either diagnostic or treatment purposes. As a treatment it is mainly used to help vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps. These procedures will be performed at a same day surgery center under general anesthesia and you will be able to go home about 1 or 2 hours after surgery.

The following BEFORE and AFTER instructions can help you obtain the best possible results from your surgery. If you have any questions, please call one of the nurses. Make sure your questions are answered before surgery!!!

 

BEFORE SURGERY

1. Tell your doctor all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking. This includes both prescription and over the counter medications.

2. DO NOT take any aspirin containing products for ____ weeks before and ____ weeks after surgery. Some arthritis medication and drugs like Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen and Aleve act like aspirin and should NOT be taken. These medications may cause increased bleeding during and after surgery. It is okay to take Tylenol during this time period.

If you are taking Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix special instructions as noted below will apply:

You will need to stop your Aspirin _____ days before surgery or on _____ and resume your Aspirin ____ days after surgery or _____.

You will need to stop your Plavix _____ days before surgery or on _____ and resume your Plavix ____ days after surgery or _____.

You will need to stop your Coumadin _____ days before surgery or on _____ and resume your Coumadin ____ days after surgery or _____.

3. If you develop a cold or any other infection during the two days prior to surgery, please notify our office immediately. The doctor may of may not prescribe an antibiotic instead of postponing your surgery.

4. Plan to spend 7 days away from work or school after surgery. This time frame is provided as a guideline since each individual’s recovery time will vary. Please postpone out of town plans for two weeks after surgery.

 

NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

1. DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT UNLESS INTRUCTED TO DO SO. IF YOU EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT YOUR SURGERY MAY BE CANCELLED!!

Continue to drink fluids (clear liquids only) up until ____ am/pm. Clear liquids consist of: water, apple or cranberry juice (no orange juice), Gatorade, Chicken Broth, Coffee or tea but no cream or sugar, popsicles and jello. You will feel much better on the day of surgery if you drink clear liquids up until the 4 hours before your scheduled surgery time.

Then nothing to drink after ____ am/pm.

2. OK to take important medications with a small amount of water the morning of surgery.

3.  Remove all nail polish and make-up. Get a good night’s rest.

4. Wear loose comfortable clothing (button down shirt and sweatpants).

Arrange to have someone drive you to the surgery center and stay with you at home on the night of your surgery. That individual should be available near the waiting room until you have been discharged back to them. (You are NOT allowed to drive yourself home)

 

AFTER SURGERY

What to expect: Hoarseness is expected after laryngoscopy. You may have throat and ear pain during the first week. The ear pain, probably referred pain from the throat, is normal and does not mean that you have an ear infection.

What to do:

1. You may use a humidifier to keep your throat moist and to reduce throat irritation.

2. IF YOU are SMOKING, STOP SMOKING, PERMANENTLY!!!

3. You may or may not be on “voice rest.” Your doctor will let you know. If you are on voice rest, DO NOT whisper, use a pen and paper to communicate.

 

Medications:

1. ANTIBIOTICS: Your physician may or may not prescribe an antibiotic. If you are given a prescription, please take it as directed until you finish the supply. This is important in wound healing and in preventing infection. You will NOT need a refill.

2. PAIN MEDICATION: The pain medication that is prescribed is usually Tylenol based with a narcotic, so you may experience some drowsiness. You should NOT go to work or school, nor drive a car as long as you are taking the pain medication. Your pain medication should be taken as directed, but DO NOT exceed the prescribed dose. If severe pain persists, please call the office. Watch for constipation from the pain medication.

YOU MAY WISH TO EAT A LITTLE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICATION. IF NOT YOU MAY DEVELOP AN UPSET STOMACH. Suggestions: Yogurt, Applesauce, Saltine Crackers soaked in broth.

3. ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION: You may or may not have been given a prescription for suppositories to alleviate the nausea. If you were not given a prescription and you experience nausea and/or vomiting, please call the office.

4. Avoid alcoholic beverages as long as you are taking prescription medications.

5. DO NOT take Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen or Aleve for 2 weeks after surgery. These products can thin the blood and may cause bleeding.

6. Refills must be approved by your doctor. Plan ahead and allow the office 48 hours to refill your prescription. Be sure to mention any drug allergies, as well as the name and location of the pharmacy at the time of your refill request.

 

ACTIVITIES AND COMFORT MEASURES:

1. Rest with head slightly elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first couple of days.

2. An ice pack to your neck can bring some relief and help with swelling. Apply 15-20 minutes on/off as tolerated while awake for the first few days.

3. You may take a bath or shower at any time.

4. During the first week, quiet indoor activities are recommended.

5. NO heavy lifting, straining, athletic activities or sports for 2 weeks. DO NOT stay bent over for prolonged periods.

6. You may use a humidifier at night while you are sleeping.

7. A low grade fever of 99.9-100.9F is common. To help control your fever, drink plenty of fluids. If the fever exceeds 101.5, call the office during business hours.

 

DIET:

1. Slowly progress to full liquids and then soft foods such as pudding, cream soups, ice cream, etc. then to a regular diet as tolerated. You may need to eat a soft diet for a few weeks. Soft foods include pasta, eggs, potatoes and bread. Avoid foods like pizza, potato chips and toast and other scratchy foods for two weeks. Your fluid intake is very important throughout your recovery.

2. Mouth care is very important. Rinse your mouth often with a warm weak salt water solution and clean your teeth as often as you wish.

 

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT:

The doctor will want to see you between 7 and 10 days after surgery. Your follow up appointment will be made before you are discharged home on the day of surgery. If an appointment was not made or if you need to reschedule, please call our office.

 

REASONS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR AFTER HOURS:

1. Fever of 101.7 degrees or greater. (only call during office hours)

2. Increased bleeding or drainage from the nose or mouth.

3. Severe pain not relieved by medication.

4. Vomiting 2 or more times in one day, after the first 24 hours.

5. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

6. Welts, Hives or Rashes that appear after taking prescription medication(s).

 

*If you need to reach the Doctor for an urgent medical issue after hours,  please call our office number (385-7272).  Select option #7 to reach the on call doctor.