Your doctor had recommended that you have a laryngoscopy. This surgery is suggested for either diagnostic or treatment purposes. As a treatment it is mainly used to help vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or vocal cord polyps. These procedures will be performed at a Same Day Surgery Center under general anesthesia and you will be able to go home about 1 hour after surgery.

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.

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

2. 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.

3. Plan to spend 7 – 10 days away from work or school after surgery. This time frame is provided as a guideline as 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 your 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

What to expect: Hoarseness is expected after laryngoscopy. You may have throat and ear pain during the first week. The ear pain, probably referred pain from the throat, is normal and does not mean that you have an ear infection.

What to do:

¨ You may use a humidifier to keep your throat moist and to reduce throat irritation

¨ STOP SMOKING, PERMANENTLY!!!

¨ You may or may not be on “voice rest.” Your doctor will let you know. If you are on voice rest. DO NOT whisper; use a pen and paper to communicate.

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 LIKE BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICATION, IF NOT YOU WILL 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 throat can bring some relief and help with swelling.

¨ You may take a bath or shower at any time.

¨ 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.

¨ You may use a humidifier at night while you are sleeping.

¨ 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 soft/ regular diet as tolerated. Your fluid intake is very important throughout your recovery.

¨ Mouth care is very important. Rinse your mouth often with water and clean your teeth as often as you wish.

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT:

The doctor will want to see you between 7 and 10 days after surgery. 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 our office.

REASONS TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

¨ Fever of 101.5 degrees or greater.

¨ Increased bleeding or drainage from the nose or mouth.

¨ 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).

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