Ear Surgery
Discharge and Home Care Instructions
Christopher M. Hampson MD
(630) 377-8708
ACTIVITY: Please rest as much as possible for the first two days after surgery. Activity can be increased as tolerated thereafter. You may feel dizzy for several days following surgery. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and bending over are strictly prohibited for two weeks following surgery.
Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication. No flying for one month.
DIET: Begin with liquids after surgery and progress to a normal diet as tolerated. Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
PAIN AND MEDICATION USE: Continue to take your regular medications except Aspirin or other blood thinners. A prescription for pain medication will be given to you after surgery. It may help to eat a little soft food before taking the medicine to prevent an upset stomach. Drinking soda at room temperature may help to alleviate any nausea that may be experienced. If this is severe, please call the doctor.
IMPORTANT:

DO NOT take regular Tylenol at the same time as your prescription pain medication since this ALSO contains Tylenol. You may alternate between your prescription pain medication and over-the-counter Tylenol as long as there is a 4 hour interval between doses.

DO NOT take Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil,
Aleve, Motrin, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen as they may increase the chance of bleeding.
CARE OF THE SURGERY SITE: The head dressing can be removed the morning after surgery. Any additional gauze around the ear or over the incision can be removed. Change the cotton ball in the ear daily, or more frequently if needed. Soaking the cotton ball in antibiotic ointment may help to keep it in place and prevent it from sticking to the skin. Bloody drainage from the ear is normal. Do not get the ear wet while showering. Do not blow or sneeze through your nose. Attempt to sneeze through your mouth.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT: Your Doctor will notify you after surgery when to schedule a follow-up appointment. If an appointment has not been scheduled, please call the office.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR:

Severe pain not relieved by pain medications

Fever over 101.5 F

Drainage or swelling around the incision

Excessive bleeding

Septoplasty and Sinus Surgery
Discharge and Home Care Instructions
Christopher M. Hampson MD
(630) 377-8708
ACTIVITY: Please rest with your head elevated as much as possible for the first two days after surgery.
Activity can be increased as tolerated thereafter. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and bending over are strictly prohibited for two weeks following surgery. Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication.
DIET: Begin with liquids after surgery and progress to a soft normal diet as tolerated. Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
PAIN AND MEDICATION USE: Continue to take your regular medications except Aspirin or other blood thinners. A prescription for pain medication will be given to you after surgery. It may help to eat a little soft food before taking the medicine to prevent an upset stomach. Drinking soda at room temperature may help to alleviate any nausea that may be experienced. If this is severe, please call the doctor.
IMPORTANT:

DO NOT take regular Tylenol at the same time as your prescription pain medication since this ALSO contains Tylenol. You may alternate between your prescription pain medication and over-the-counter Tylenol as long as there is a 4 hour interval between doses.

DO NOT take Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil,
Aleve, Motrin, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen as they may increase the chance of bleeding.
CARE OF THE SURGERY SITE: Any packing or splints will be removed at your follow-up appointment. Do not blow your nose. Expect bloody drainage from your nose or postnasal drip. This usually subsides in 2-3 days. You may need to change your moustache dressing frequently the first night.
If bleeding is severe, or lasts longer than ten minutes, please notify your doctor. Ice pack wrapped in a washcloth may be placed over the cheeks for
15-20 minutes every hour.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS/INFORMATION: Do not blow or sneeze through your nose.
Attempt to sneeze through your mouth. Excessive sneezing may be controlled with regular over-thecounter Benadryl or antihistamine type medications. Use a bedside (any type) humidifier to keep mucous membranes moist and comfortable.
Occasionally some swelling, bruising or numbness can occur around the upper teeth, lip or eyes. This is temporary.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT: Your Doctor will notify you after surgery when to schedule a follow-up appointment. If an appointment has not been scheduled, please call the office.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR:

Severe pain not relieved by pain medications

Fever over 101.5 F

Any change in vision or double vision

Excessive bleeding

Tonsillectomy with or without Adenoidectomy
Discharge and Home Care Instructions
Christopher M. Hampson MD
(630) 377-8708
ACTIVITY: Most patients return to work or school in 7-10 days. If you are not taking narcotic pain medication, you may return sooner. Limit strenuous physical activity like running and heavy lifting. These activities increase pressure in the blood vessels at the surgery site and could cause bleeding.
DIET: Drinking fluids is very important, especially the first days after surgery when the saliva is thick and the throat uncomfortable. Drinking frequent small sips promotes healing, lubricates the throat, and thins the saliva. Ice cold drinks also tend to numb the throat and improve comfort. To add calories to your diet consider popsicles, slushes, Italian ice, Gatorade, apple juice, fruit sorbet, soda, Jell-O, applesauce, and soups. Avoid orange, cranberry, grapefruit, and pineapple juices as they may irritate the throat. Also avoid foods that are hot or that require a lot of chewing, as they may irritate the surgical site when swallowed.
Immediately
Popsicles
Slushes
Italian ice
Gatorade
Apple juice
Fruit sorbet
Jell-O
Soups
Smoothies
Ice cream
Avoid
Juices
-orange
-cranberry
-pineapple
-grapefruit
Anytime as tolerated
Macaroni & cheese
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Soups
Yogurt
Pudding
Boost
Custard
Ensure
Solid Foods
IMPORTANT: Dark urine, decreased urine volume, and decreased frequency of urination are all signs of dehydration. If you are unable to increase fluid intake, you need to call the
Doctor.
PAIN AND MEDICATION USE: Anticipate a sore throat lasting 5-14 days. Ear pain is also frequently experienced, typically on days 3-5. This is usually referred pain from the throat. To help control pain after surgery, Tylenol with Codeine or Tylenol with Hydrocodone will be prescribed. It may help to eat a little soft food before taking the medicine to prevent an upset stomach. The pain should improve 30 minutes after using the medicine, which is a great time to encourage fluids. If the taste of the medication is a problem, try the following:

Keep the medication chilled in the refrigerator.

Hold cold water or an ice cube in the mouth for a minute to numb the taste buds. Spit out the ice cube and take the medication followed by additional sips of cold water.
Drinking soda at room temperature may help to alleviate any nausea that may be experienced. If this is severe, please call the Doctor.

IMPORTANT:

DO NOT take regular Tylenol at the same time as your prescription pain medication since this ALSO contains Tylenol. You may alternate between your prescription pain medication and over-the-counter Tylenol as long as there is a 4 hour interval between doses.

DO NOT take Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil,
Aleve, Motrin, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen as they may increase the chance of bleeding.
CARE OF THE SURGERY SITE: Keep fingers or other objects such as straws out of the mouth.
Gentle rinsing of the mouth with water may be comforting, but do not gargle. It is not unusual to see blood tinged saliva for several days following surgery. You may notice black or white areas in the back of the throat where the tonsils once were. These scabs will release as the throat heals. They should not be disturbed. Discourage vigorous coughing or nose blowing. A room humidifier may help to keep the mucous membranes moist.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT: You need to have a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after surgery.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR:

Fever over 101.5 F

Severe pain not relieved by pain medications

Bright red bleeding from the mouth or nose. If significant bleeding, call the doctor AND go directly to the Emergency Room.

No urine output or unable to drink liquids

Adenoidectomy
Discharge and Home Care Instructions
Christopher M. Hampson MD
(630) 377-8708
ACTIVITY: Most children return to school or regular activity after 1-4 days. Limit strenuous physical activity like running and heavy lifting for one week.
DIET: There are no diet limitations after an Adenoidectomy. Advance diet as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting occur, stay on clear liquids until improved.
PAIN AND MEDICINE: A prescription for Tylenol with Codeine or Tylenol with Hydrocodone may be given after surgery. Since pain is usually not severe, regular Tylenol may be adequate. It may help to eat a little soft food before taking the medicine to prevent an upset stomach. If the taste of the medication is a problem, try the following:

Keep the medication chilled in the refrigerator

Hold cold water or an ice cube in the mouth for a minute to numb the taste buds. Spit out the ice cube and take the medication followed by additional sips of cold water
Drinking soda at room temperature may help to alleviate any nausea that may be experienced. If this is severe, please call the Doctor.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT take regular Tylenol at the same time as your prescription pain medication, since this ALSO contains Tylenol. You may alternate between your prescription pain medication and over the counter Tylenol as long as there is a 4-hour interval between doses.
VOICE CHANGE: You should anticipate a voice change after the adenoids are removed. This usually settles several weeks after surgery once the patient adapts to the absence of the adenoid tissue.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT: You need to have a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after surgery.
WHEN TO CALL:

Fever over 101.5

F (foul smelling odor from the nose or mouth is normal)

Severe pain not relieved by pain medications

Bright red bleeding from the mouth or nose

No urine output or unable to drink liquids

Myringotomy and Tube Placement
Discharge and Home Care Instructions
Christopher M. Hampson, M.D.
(630) 377-8708
ACTIVITY: Most children return to school or regular activity the following day. It is important that the ears stay dry, but do not panic if the ears happen to get wet. Swimming in a lake or river is prohibited until the patient is seen by the doctor and fitted with ear plugs. Surface swimming in a chlorinated pool is not a problem. Scuba diving is not allowed while the tubes are in place.
DIET: There are no diet limitations after tube placement. Advance diet as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting occur, stay on clear liquids until this improves.
DRAINAGE: The ears may drain for three to four days after surgery. This drainage may be clear, yellow, or bloody. If ear drops are prescribed, please use as directed unless they are painful for the child.
EAR PROTECTION: The tube that is placed is designed to keep a small hole open across the ear drum.
The ear must be kept dry to prevent water from traveling across this hole and causing pain and infection.
Options for keeping the ears dry:

For showering and bathing, a small piece of cotton soaked in Vaseline works well.

Silicone ear plugs are sold at most drug stores. Roll each piece of silicone to a size of a long jelly bean and place to cover the ear canal. This should cover the ear canal without being pushed into the ear canal. There are useful for most water activities.

Our Audiologist can make custom-mold earplugs, as well as fitted non-custom earplugs. Both work very well.
EAR INFECTIONS: Patients with tubes can generally expect a decrease in the frequency of ear infections. The usual sign of an infection is drainage. If you notice drainage from the ears, please call your family doctor or Midwest ENT doctor.
FOLLOW-UP VISITS: You need to have a follow-up appointment approximately two weeks after surgery. Regular follow-up visits are needed thereafter to check on the tubes. These visits are usually scheduled every six months.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR:

Drainage lasting more than three days and eardrops were not prescribed.
Fever not controlled with Tylenol.