Patient Education

Aftercare for Eardrum Repair

Generally, the patient can return home within two to three hours. Antibiotics are given, along with a mild pain reliever. After 10 days, the packing is removed and the ear is evaluated to see if the graft was successful. Water is kept away from the ear, and nose blowing is discouraged. If there are allergies or a cold, antibiotics and a decongestant are usually prescribed. Most patients can return to work after five or six days, or two to three weeks if they perform heavy physical labour. After three weeks, all packing is completely removed under the operating microscope. It is then determined whether or not the graft has fully taken.

Post-operative care is also designed to keep the patient comfortable. Infection is generally prevented by soaking the ear canal with antibiotics. To heal, the graft must be kept free from infection, and must not experience shearing forces or excessive tension. Activities that change the tympanic pressure are forbidden, such as sneezing with the mouth shut, using a straw to drink, or heavy nose blowing. A complete hearing test is performed four to six weeks after the operation.

Post Operative care for LASIK Surgery

After care of LASIK surgery, your doctor will want you to rest a bit. When your doctor is satisfied with your condition, you will be released to go. Your doctor may give you protective sunglasses or shields to wear to protect your eyes.

Most people feel fine after LASIK surgery, and others feel nothing worse than mild discomfort. You may feel mild burning or itching, your eyes may water and the whites may look red or bloodshot. These are all normal symptoms of recovery. Your doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever, along with antibiotic drops to help with healing.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, although you may instinctively want to. While the corneal flap is healing, there is a slight risk of displacement with the friction and trauma of rubbing or itching.

Home care after Cataract Surgery

Your doctor will tell you what is normal to expect. Stinging, burning and a slight grittiness in the eye are normal following cataract surgery. Do not rub or put pressure on the eye. If you have any discharge, use a warm washcloth to wipe it away gently.

It is quiet okay to resume light activities like writing, reading, watching TV and walking. You may be tempted to do more but take it easy while your body recovers. You may take a shower or bath, but keep your eyes closed to protect them.

Post Operative care for ENT Surgeries

The aftercare for ENT surgery depends on the procedure and state of the health of the patient. The aftercare for a patient who is 60 years old with head/neck cancer is more extensive than a tonsillectomy performed in a young adolescent or child. Generally, aftercare should be directed toward wound care and knowledge gained from the surgeon specifically detailing the expected length of average convalescence. Wound care (cleansing, dressing changes, etc.) and postoperative follow-up with the ENT surgeon is essential. Medications for pain may be prescribed. Patients stay in the hospital for eight to 10 hours (for the effects of anesthesia to subside) for same-day surgical procedures (i.e., tonsillectomy), or they may be admitted for a few days for more complicated procedures (i.e., cancer).