Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin - Medical Services

Surgery

The information presented here should be used only to supplement the information you receive from your ENT surgeon. If any information on this Web site conflicts with that which you have received from your surgeon, we advise you to follow the guidelines explained by your surgeon.

Pre-Operative Instructions--Sinus Surgery
Sinus surgery is used to open blocked sinuses, drain the sinus passages and allow the infection to gradually resolve. There are new techniques available for sinus surgery, which cause less swelling, bruising, bleeding, and pain than before. Please review the following carefully to ensure that you do your part towards a recovery that is as uncomplicated as possible.

DON'T EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

DON'T - take aspirin, Ibuprofen, or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Please check with your physician to find out how much time needs to pass between the surgery and the last time you had an aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medication.

The morning of your surgery PLEASE make sure you take all scheduled medication including - high blood pressure or heart medication. However only have a sip of water. DO NOT drink a lot of water. Your stomach should be empty prior to surgery. Discuss with your primary care doctor what to do about insulin or other diabetes medication. Again if you have any questions, please speak with your Doctor.

Medical Services

Physicians - What is Otolaryngology, Photos and Bios

Patient Services - Treatments and Procedures (sinus, tonsils, snoring & sleep disorders, ears, throat/voice)

Patient Education - Medical Links, What Our Patients Say

Surgery - Pre and Post-Op Instructions, Hospital Affiliations

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Forms

Post-Operative Instructions-Sinus Surgery
Listed below are instructions for Post-Operative Care. Our physician will review these instructions with you before your procedure. If you have any questions please discuss them with your physician before your procedure.

Adenoidectomy Home Care Instructions
Activity
You/your child may feel a little sleepy for the next 24 hours. This is due to the medications received. Please do not leave your child alone. Adults should have someone with them for the next 24 hours. Rest is encouraged today, with limited activities acceptable, and a return to normal activities tomorrow.

For the next 24 hours DO NOT:
Drive a motor vehicle
Drink alcoholic beverages, including beer
Sign any legal documents
Let your child ride a bike, skateboard, do gymnastics, etc.

Diet
Fluids are very important to maintain adequate hydration and ensure rapid healing without complications. Start with liquids such as water, Kool-Aid, non-acidic juices (apple or white grape), or popsicles. Soft foods like jell-o, ice cream custards, puddings, and mashed foods are helpful to maintain nutrition. Hot, spicy, rough, greasy or rich foods (fresh fruits, toast, crackers, potato chips) should be avoided. Return to normal diet tomorrow.

Medications
You/your child may feel some discomfort. Sore throat pain improves over the first 2 or 3 days. Earache is not an uncommon complaint, and may seem severe. This is "referred" pain from the surgery and not a sign of ear infection. You may use a nonprescription non-aspirin medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort be sure to follow label directions. Do NOT use any aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin) type products. If you have been given a prescription for pain, be sure to follow the directions and take only as prescribed.

Special Instructions
Wipe away any bloody discharge from the nose. It will persist in the saliva for a few days. Fever: A rise in temperature to 100-101 degrees F postoperatively is sometimes seen in those who do not take adequate amounts of fluids, and is caused by dehydration. Bad breath is part of the healing process and may last up to one month after surgery. You/your child may return to work/school when feeling ok to do so. Return to sports, physical education, and heavy physical activity should wait for two weeks. Call your physician if there are any problems or questions.

Laryngoscopy Home Care Instructions
Activity
You may feel a little sleepy for the 24 hours after surgery. This is due to the medications you received. You should have a responsible adult with you for the rest of the day and throughout the night. This is for your safety and protection. Rest is encouraged today, with light activities acceptable

For the next 24 hours DO NOT:
Drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery, or use power tools
Drink alcoholic beverages, including beer
Sign any legal documents
Smoke

Diet
Start with liquids such as water, Kool-Aid, juices, or popsicles. If these are tolerated, progress to normal diet or as directed by your physician.

Medications
You may have some discomfort after surgery. A prescription for pain medication may be prescribed. Take this medication as directed. If no pain medication has been prescribed, you may take non-prescription, non-aspirin medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Be sure to follow label directions.

Special Instructions
Follow relative voice rest
Do NOT whisper
Do NOT shout
Speak in a normal voice as you would to someone within three feet of you.
Do NOT smoke.

Ear Tube Placement Home Care Instructions
Activity
You/your child may feel a little sleepy for the 24 hours after surgery. This is due to the medications received. Please do not leave your child alone. Adults should have someone with them for the next 24 hours. Rest is encouraged today, with light activities acceptable

For the next 24 hours DO NOT:
Drive a motor vehicle
Drink alcoholic beverages, including beer
Sign any legal documents
Smoke Let your child ride a bike, skateboard, do gymnastics, etc.

Diet
Start with liquids such as water, Kool-Aid, juices, or popsicles. If these are tolerated without nausea, move on to soup and crackers. Progress diet as tolerated or as directed by your physician.

Medications
You/your child may feel some discomfort. You may use a non-prescription, non-aspirin medication such ascetaminophen (Tylenol). Ibuprofen type medications (Children's Motrin) are also acceptable. Be sure to follow label directions. If you have been given a prescription for pain, be sure to follow the directions and take only as prescribed. Be sure to fill the prescription for ear drops and use as directed.

Special Instructions
Take care when bathing. Do not submerge head in bath water. It is okay to rinse hair with "clean" water. Showering without ear plugs is okay. Swimming in a pool with chlorinated water is okay. Submerging the head more than a foot requires ear plugs. Plugs should also be worn for submerging the head in bath or lake or stream waters. No diving. When ear drops are completed, there should no longer be drainage present from the ears. If drainage persists or returns, call your physician. Let your physician know if there are any problems or questions.

Our physicians have surgical privileges at the following area hospitals listed below.

Aurora Medical Center
855 N. Westhaven Dr., Oshkosh, WI

Mercy Medical Center
500 S. Oakwood Rd., Oshkosh, WI

Theda Clark Regional Medical Center
130 2nd St., Neenah, WI

Berlin Hospital
225 Memorial Dr., Berlin, WI

Ripon Medical Center
933 Newbury St., Ripon, WI