Ear Surgery - Discharge Advice

Type of Ear Surgery

You have had a:

…………………………………………………………………………..

What you need to know after surgery

Take pain relief as prescribed by your doctor. Your next dose can be taken at:

…………………………………………………………………………..

Sneeze through your mouth, not your nose.

Do not sniff, but blow your nose gently.

Keep your ear dry especially when showering or hair washing.

There will be packing in the ear canal with cotton wool on the outside. The cotton wool should be changed 3 times daily to keep it clean and after showering or washing hair. If the packing is stuck to the cotton wool, cut off the packing with scissors and gently push it back into the ear canal.

Sleep with your head raised on pillows for the first week to help reduce swelling.

Avoid any bending or heavy lifting for 4 weeks.

No swimming until cleared by your surgeon.

There can be decreased hearing and often a crackling sensation after the operation, especially on eating. This will resolve.

Your stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Glue is sometimes used over the wound and peels away on its own over about 10 days.

You may need to take 1-2 weeks off school or work.

General Discharge Advice

You will have to arrange for someone to drive you home when you are discharged from hospital.

You must go straight home and rest for the next 24 hours.

You must have a responsible adult with you for the next 24 hours as the full effects of an anaesthetic may not wear off for 24 hours.

From an anaesthetic point of view, please do not:

• Drive a car as a safety precaution for yourself and other road users; also you may not be covered by insurance during these 24 hours.

• Operate machinery; this includes some everyday items: e.g. kitchen appliances, lawnmowers.

• Sign any legal documents or make important decisions.

• Drink alcohol for 24 hours following your anaesthetic.

Please observe for any of the following

• Increased swelling

• Moderate to heavy bleeding from the ear canal or wound

• Increased temperature and/or fever

• Pain and discomfort – not relieved by pain medication

• Generally feeling unwell

• Severe dizziness

• Offensive smelling discharge from the ear canal or wound.

Your follow-up appointment has been made for:

…………………………………………………………………………..

If you have any problems please contact:

• Your specialist on 09 623 5644 or GP

• After Hours – 24 Hour Medical Centre

• Emergency – Your local emergency department or Starship for children

Please ensure you have your discharge summary with you when seeking medical attention.