EAR SURGERY, MYRINGOTOMY (WITH TUBE INSERTION) WITH OR
WITHOUT ADENOIDECTOMY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
ACTIVITY
 Normal activity is usually expected by the late afternoon or the next morning.
 No swimming until the child is seen by the doctor and fitted for ear plugs.
DIET
 You may continue with a normal diet as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting are
present, stay on clear liquids until improved.
MEDICATIONS
 Floxin drops should be placed in the operated ear(s) as prescribed.
 Floxin drops are used because they are better tolerated. If drops are painful for
the child, then cease using them.
 Tylenol elixir may be taken for pain. Follow instruction on medication bottle.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
 Please do not get water in the child’s ears. A single episode of water
contamination is not serious and should cause no problem.
 Any ear drainage after 3-4 days should be reported to the doctor’s office
 Children may be nauseated after general anesthesia. If vomiting is persistent, the
doctor should be contacted.
 After adenoidectomy, children should be kept at home and observed for bleeding
for one day. Scant bloody nasal discharge is not unusual.
 Bleeding from ears can also occur. If it persists beyond the first day, please call
for instructions.
 If you should experience difficulty in breathing, bleeding that you feel is
excessive, persistent nausea or vomiting, pain that is unusual or severe, swelling,
or temperature over 101 degrees (by mouth), please call the doctor.
 Please try to call during regular weekday office hours for non-emergency
questions and prescription refills.
 Whenever you call a doctor, please have the number to a pharmacy that is open
and readily available.
NASAL & SINUS SURGERY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
ACTIVITY
 Gradually increase normal activity over __________ days.
 You may go to the bathroom with assistance.
 Spend the first three day following surgery quietly out of bed.
 Sleep or rest with your head elevated. You can use 2-3 pillows or a recliner
 Do not drive or operate any machinery for _____ day(s) after surgery. General
rule is: If taking prescription pain medications, you should not drive.
DIET
 Try liquids the evening of your surgery and if not nauseated, progress to a soft
normal diet. Drinking alcoholic beverages is discouraged.
MEDICATIONS
 Take your usually prescribed medication but do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen
type medications
 Prescribed pain medication and Tylenol are acceptable
 Antibiotics, mild steroids, or decongestants may be prescribed.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
 Do not blow or sneeze through your nose. Sneeze through your mouth.
Excessive sneezing may be controlled with regular over-the-counter Benadryl
or antihistamine type medications.
 Any severe or unusual pain should be reported to a doctor. Nausea/vomiting
should subside after 24 hours-notify your physician if it persists.
NECK SURGERY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
ACTIVITY
 Rest today, increase activities as tolerated.
 Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects for several weeks after surgery.
 Use care in turning head.
 Do not drive or operate machinery for 2 days after surgery.
DIET
 Try sips of liquid the evening of your surgery and if you are not nauseated,
progress to a soft diet and resume normal diet as tolerated.
DRESSINGS
 Keep dressing dry and clean and do not change the dressing unless instructed to
do so by your doctor.
 A small amount of drainage on the dressing is not uncommon. If the doctor left a
small drainage tube in the incision, you may need to change or reinforce the
dressing. You will need to return to the office 1-2 days to have this removed.
MEDICATIONS
 Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not drink alcohol while taking pain
medication.
 Tylenol can be used for less severe pain. Do not take aspirin or aspirin products.
RHINOPLASTY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions, both before and after surgery.
Follow them carefully. You will assist in obtaining the best possible results from your
surgery. If questions arise, do not hesitate to communicate with me and discuss your
questions at any time. Take this list to the hospital or surgery center with you and again
observe these directions on the day of surgery.
INSTRUCTIONS
 Do not blow nose until instructed. Wipe or dab nose gently with tissue if
necessary.
 Change dressing on the nose (if present) as needed
 The nasal plaster cast will remain in place for approximately one week and will be
removed in the office. Do not disturb it.
 Avoid extreme physical activity. Obtain more rest than you usually get and avoid
exertion including athletic activities and intercourse.
 Avoid food that requires prolonged chewing. Otherwise your diet has no
restrictions.
 Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of upper lip
to keep nose at rest.
 You may wash your face, carefully, avoiding the dressing. Take tub baths until
the dressings are removed.
 Use crushed ice in a surgical glove to the forehead and eyes as directed for 20
minutes per hour for the first 24 hours.
 Avoid smiling, grinning, and excess facial movements for one week.
 Do not wash hair for one week unless you have someone that will help do it for
you. DO NOT GET NASAL DRESSIN WET.
 Do not squeeze or pluck eyebrows for two weeks
 Wear clothing that fastens in front or back for one week. Avoid slip-over
sweaters, T-shirts and turtle necks.
 Absolutely avoid sun or sun lamps for weeks after surgery. Heat may cause the
nose to swell.
 Do not swim for one month.
 Do not be concerned if following removal of the dressing the nose, eyes and
upper lip show some swelling and discoloration. This usually clears in 2-3 weeks.
In some patients, it may require six months for all swelling to completely subside.
 Take only medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not take any aspirin or
ibuprofen like products.
 Do not wear regular glasses or sunglasses which rest on the bridge of the nose for
at least 4 weeks. We will instruct you in the method of taping your glasses to
your forehead to avoid pressure on the nose.
 Contact lenses may be worn within 2-3 days of surgery.
RHINOPLASTY CONTINUED
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After the doctor removes your plaster cast, the skin of the nose may be cleansed
gently with a mild soap or cleansing cream. BE GENTLE. Makeup may be used
as soon as bandages are removed. To cover discoloration you may use “ERASE”
by Max Factor, “Cover Away” by Adrien Arpel, or “On your Mark” by Kenneth.
DO NOT TAKE CHANCES!!! If you are concerned about anything you consider
significant, call the office.
Please try to call during regular weekday office hours for prescription refills and
non-emergency questions.
TONSILLECTOMY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
DIET
 Drinking liquids is very important, particularly the first days after surgery when
the saliva is thick and the throat uncomfortable. Liquids may be all that is taken
for the first several days, so be sure you serve something in addition to water that
has some caloric content, such as fruit sorbet, Italian ice, popsicles, juices, soda,
and Jell-O. There is a tendency to breathe through the mouth, leaving the mouth
dry and the throat parched. Often there is excess thick saliva, which can pool in
the back of the throat, causing a gagging sensation. Liquids lubricate the throat
bringing comfort and help to liquefy the thick saliva. It is impossible to drink too
many liquids. IF your urinary output is sufficient, the fluid intake is probably
adequate.
 A liquid diet includes Jell-O, custard, yogurt, Gatorade, popsicles, apple juice,
applesauce and soups. You may progress to soft foods such as scrambled eggs,
mashed potatoes, noodles, macaroni and cheese, etc, within two to three days.
 Solid foods such as food needing a lot of chewing to swallow may be started
immediately after surgery if tolerated.
 Avoid caffeinated beverages and acidic fruit juices such as orange, cranberry,
grapefruit or pineapple as these will cause burning and discomfort. Many patients
report enjoying carbonated non caffeinated beverages that are chilled. Popsicles
and slushes are also popular. Milk products are usually enjoyed 2-3 days after
surgery with saliva is less thick. Milk may cause an increase in mucous. Follow
your doctor’s instructions.
 Progress to a soft diet, when hunger dictates, for the remainder of the recovery
time. It is safest not to serve steamy hot foods and liquids, as heat may cause
blood vessels to swell and in turn, bleed. Warm foods are fine and they feel
soothing.
CARE OF THE SURGERY SITE
 Keep fingers and other objects out of the throat. Gentle rinsing of the mouth with
water may be comforting. Do not gargle. Using a room humidifier will promote
comfort by keeping mucous membranes moist. Discourage vigorous coughing
and nose blowing. Sips of water or liquid can alleviate coughing.
 If you look in the back of the throat with a flashlight, you may see black and/or
whitish areas where the tonsils once were. These are scabs, which will release on
their own when healing is complete. They should not be disturbed. One
commonly sees red-tinged saliva for several days following a tonsillectomy.
 Use of Tylenol liquid or prescription liquid pain medication will promote comfort
and make swallowing easier. Encourage a drink before and after medication as it
is thick and may cause a gagging sensation. Keeping liquid medication in the
refrigerator may make it easier to take. Have food in the stomach before taking
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prescription pain medication. Suppositories containing acetaminophen (Tylenol)
may be used or children resistant to taking liquid medication.
Tylenol with codeine may be prescribed but by aware of stomach upset, nausea,
vomiting or headache from constant use. You may use Tylenol with codeine 2-3
times per day, especially at bedtime.
DO NOT take aspirin or any products also containing ibuprofen type medications.
Ear pain is related to tonsillectomy. Take pain medications as directed
DO NOT TAKE REGULAR TYLENOL DURING SAME TIME PERIOD AS
TYLENOL WITH CODEINE. THIS WILL BE TOO MUCH TYLENOL FOR
THE LIVER. 4 HOUR MINIMUM BETWEEN DOSES OF TYLENOL.
SCHEDULING OUTPATIENT SURGERY
Dr. Scott M. Kaszuba, MD
(630) 420-2323
When scheduling you surgery:
It is your responsibility to contact Carrie at the number provided when you are ready to
schedule your surgery.
Carrie is at her desk every Tuesday and Friday morning from 9AM until Noon. That is
the best time to get a hold of her. You are welcome to call at any time and leave a
message. Carrie will call you back on the following Tuesday or Friday that she will be at
her desk.
Carrie can be reached at (630) 420-2323 x7676
Dr. Kaszuba does surgery at Edward Hospital every Friday morning. Dr. Kaszuba also
does surgery at the Plainfield Surgery Center on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Dr. Kaszuba also does surgery at Central Dupage Hospital, on occasion, the first and
third Tuesday of the month. There is no specific location; it would depend on where he is
already scheduled that day.
What you will need prior to surgery:
You will need to set up a pre-operative physical that is required by the hospital,
within THIRTY DAYS (30) prior to the surgery date with your family physician or
pediatrician. This appointment need to be made by you as soon as surgery is
scheduled, and you need to keep this appointment. If you fail to keep this
appointment you do take the risk of your surgery being cancelled.
The hospital will call you for patient information prior to surgery. Pre-operative testing
is based on age and health history. This testing is separate form pre-operative physical by
your physician.
The hospital will also call you the DAY BEFORE, usually after 4PM, about your
surgery, regarding arrival times and pre-operative instructions with regard to eating,
drinking and medications.
Just be aware, Dr. Kaszuba is in clinic 5 days a week. I am working with him at this
time. I may not be able to return your call the same day that you call. It is also very
helpful if you can leave a couple of date options, as this will cut down on the “phone
tag.” Thank You!