YOLANDA D. HEMAN-ACKAH, MD, PC
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR
MICROSCOPIC DIRECT LARYNGOSCOPY WITH ARYTENOIDECTOMY,
VOCAL FOLD LATERALIZATION, AND/OR ANTERIOR COMMISSURE SURGERY
1. Sniff forcefully through the nose at least 10 times every 10 minutes until your first visit
with Dr. Heman-Ackah.
2. No lifting anything greater than 10 lbs., including children, pets, or other objects.
3. No strenuous activity or exercise for six weeks following surgery. This includes running,
jogging, fast paced walking, aerobics, Taebo, dancing, or any other form of exercise
designed to promote physical fitness. A slow paced walk only is permitted.
4. No straining in the bathroom. If you have problems with constipation, please have a
family member call the office and speak to a nurse or resident to have a laxative or stool
softener prescribed. You may also try over-the-counter Dulcolax or Colace. If
difficulties with constipation persist, please call the office immediately.
5. No vomiting or wretching. If you have difficulty with nausea or vomiting, please have a
family member call the office so that an anti-emetic can be prescribed.
6. No coughing. For the first three days after surgery, take Robitussin DM, two tablespoons
every six hours on a scheduled basis. Do this for the first three days. After the first three
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days, should you feel a throat tickle, continue to take the Robitussin every six hours asneeded to prevent coughing. If the Robitussin does not help with coughing, and you still
feel a throat tickle or a need to cough, take acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol #3) one
to two tablets every four to six hours as-needed for coughing. If this does not alleviate
your coughing, have a family member call the office immediately for a stronger
prescription.
7. No sexual activity (this includes any activity that will lead to an orgasm) for six weeks
following surgery.
8. Your first postoperative appointment with the doctor should be one week after surgery.
9. Make sure that the head of your bed is elevated at least 6-8 inches beginning before
surgery and for at least the first six months following surgery.
10. Continue to take all of your reflux medications as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop
taking or alter the dose or frequency of the reflux medications unless instructed to do so
by the doctor.
11. If you were given an antibiotic to take, take the entire dose of the antibiotic until the
entire prescription is complete.
12. If you have a tracheostomy in place, do not remove it.
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13. If you have any further questions, please have a family member call the office at (610)
660-8071, to discuss any questions with one of the nurses or one of the doctors.
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