Microlaryngoscopy – General Anaesthetic

Discharge information: post Microlaryngoscopy under General Anaesthetic (GA)

Dear Patient/Carer:

Please read this document carefully as it contains important information that complements the
instructions given by your MEG ENT Specialist during your recent surgical admission.

Medications:

• Pain Management:
  • Most patients do not experience significant pain after this procedure.
  • However there may be some mouth and throat discomfort which will improve over afew days.
  • Simple over the counter analgesics should be adequate (e.g. Paracetamol,Nurofen®)
  • There may be some minor neck and jaw pain and stiffness which will improve over afew days.

Wound Care:

• Strict Voice Rest:
  • The amount of voice rest depends on the nature of the procedure performed, but canrange from a few hours to 5 days.
  • Your MEG ENT specialist will advise you.
  • Strict voice rest for the prescribed amount of time implies:
    • No talking,
    • No whispering,
    • No singing
    • Minimising coughing & throat clearing
  • You will then gradually return to normal voice use, usually under the guidance of a speech pathologist.
• Neck Incision Site
  • If an external neck incision has been made this will generally be covered by a small waterproof dressing.
    • This dressing should remain dry and intact for 7 days after the procedure.
    • If the dressing gets wet, just pat it dry and leave in place.
    • Sutures (stitches) are generally dissolvable and do not require specific removal, but where the sutures require removal, your MEG ENT specialist will advise you.

Also read information about post Microlaryngoscopy under Local Anaesthetic

Diet:

• Generally, you will be able to resume a full normal diet the same day of surgery.
• If your procedure involved the oesophagus (food pipe) then your MEG ENT specialist will advise you of any dietary modifications, and may instruct you to eat a soft diet for a few days.
• Ensure you maintain an adequate fluid intake to help with healing and recovery from the procedure.

Return to Normal Activities:

• As this procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, you will need to be away from work for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
• Your return to work will also be limited by the degree of voice rest prescribed (SEE ABOVE),and your general recovery.
• Your MEG ENT Specialist will advise you.

Attend your nearest Emergency Department or Call 000 if:

• Breathing or swallowing becomes progressively difficult consult your doctor or contact the hospital immediately.
• You develop any neck pain, redness or swelling.

On your Post-operative Appointment:

• Your speech pathologist +/- MEG ENT Specialist will listen to your voice and provide you with appropriate vocal exercises.
• A repeat endoscopy / stroboscopy to look at the larynx will be performed on your initial or second postoperative visit.

We will confirm the time and date of your post-operative appointment soon. Do not hesitate to
contact us if you require any further information regarding these instructions.

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