SOUTHWESTERN EAR, NOSE & THROAT

SANTA FE OFFICE:  982-4848

SURGERY CENTER: 982-7761

Dr. David Brown     Dr. Paul Kaufman     Dr. Peter Shepard     Dr. Thomas Thomason    

PAROTIDECTOMY

Your doctor has recommended that all or part of your parotid gland be removed.  The reasons for removal vary between individuals.

The following BEFORE and AFTER instructions can help you obtain the best possible results from your surgery.  If you have any questions, please call one of the nurses. Make sure your questions are answered before surgery!!!

BEFORE SURGERY

1.                  Tell your doctor all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking.  This includes both prescription and over the counter medications.

2.                  DO NOT take any aspirin containing products for two weeks before and after surgery.  Some arthritis medication and drugs like Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen and Aleve act like aspirin and should NOT be taken.  These medications may cause increased bleeding during and after surgery.  It is okay to take Tylenol during this time period.

If your primary physician/specialist has placed you on Aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin please inform your surgeon for specific instructions.

3.                  If you develop a cold or any other infection during the two weeks prior to surgery, please notify our office immediately.  The doctor may or may not prescribe an antibiotic instead of postponing your surgery.

4.                  Plan to spend 7 – 10 days away from work or school after surgery.  This time frame is provided as a guideline since each individual’s recovery time will vary.  Please postpone out of town plans for two weeks after surgery.

NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

¨      DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST.   IF YOU EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT, YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELLED!!!  Continue to drink fluids up until midnight.  You will feel much better on the day of surgery.

¨      Remove all nail polish, make-up and jewelry (watches, earrings, all body piercings, necklaces, etc).

¨      Get a good night’s rest.

¨      Wear loose comfortable clothing.

Arrange to have a responsible adult drive you to the surgery center and stay with you at home on the night of your surgery. That person MUST stay in the waiting room until you have been discharged back to them.  (You are NOT allowed to drive yourself home).

AFTER SURGERY

You will go home with an incision on the side of your neck below your ear, possibly a drain coming from the incision and stitches or (steri-strips) over the incision line.  The drain (if present) will need to be emptied at home, and then suction re-applied after emptying.  The nurse will show you how to do this.  The drainage will probably start out bloody and over the next several days become clearer.  It should also decrease in quantity over the period of time it is in place.

Medications:

¨      ANTIBIOTICS: Your physician may or may not prescribe an antibiotic. If you are given a prescription, please take it as directed until you finish the supply.  This is important in wound healing and in preventing infection.  You will NOT need a refill.

¨      PAIN MEDICATION: The pain medication that is prescribed is usually Tylenol based with a narcotic, so you may experience some drowsiness.  You should not go to work or school, nor drive a car as long as you are taking the pain medication.  Your pain medication should be taken as directed, but do not exceed the prescribed dose.  If severe pain persists, please call the office.

YOU MUST EAT A LITTLE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICATION, IF NOT YOU WILL MOST PROBABLY VOMIT.  Suggestions: Yogurt, Applesauce, Saltine Crackers.

¨      ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION:  You may or may not have been given a prescription for suppositories to alleviate the nausea.  If you were not given a prescription and you experience nausea and/or vomiting, please call the office.

¨      Avoid alcoholic beverages as long as you are taking prescription medications.

¨      Please follow instructions given to you by your surgeon regarding Aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin.

¨      Refills must be approved by your doctor.  Plan ahead and allow the office 48 hours to refill your prescription.  Be sure to mention any drug allergies, as well as the name and location of the pharmacy at the time of your refill request.

ACTIVITIES AND COMFORT MEASURES:

¨      Rest, with head slightly elevated on 2-3 pillows is encouraged for the first couple of days.

¨      An ice pack to your operative site can bring some relief and help with swelling.

¨      You may take a bath after surgery, but postpone showering until your neck drain is removed.  Remember to keep the incision line dry whether or not a drain is present.

¨      During the first week, quiet indoor activities are recommended.

¨      NO heavy lifting, straining, athletic activities or sports for 2 weeks.  DO NOT stay bent over for prolonged periods of time.

¨      A low grade fever of 99.9-101.0 F is common.  To help control your fever, drink plenty of fluids.  If the fever exceeds 101.5, call the office.

DIET:

¨      Slowly progress to a regular soft diet as tolerated. Your fluid intake is very important throughout your recovery.

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT:

The doctor will want to see you between 7 and 10 days after surgery, possibly sooner for drain removal.  Your follow up appointment will be made before you are discharged home on the day of surgery.  If an appointment was not made or if you need to reschedule, please call the office.

REASONS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

¨      Fever of 101.5 degrees or greater.

¨      Severe pain not relieved by medication.

¨      Vomiting 2 or more times in one day, after the first 24 hours.

¨      Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

¨       Welts, Hives or Rashes that appear after taking prescription medication(s).

¨       Bleeding around the drain site.

¨       INCREASED swelling or pain in face or neck.

¨       Redness at incision site.