POST OPERATIVE EAR SURGERY

 

After ear surgery, there are several important steps for the care of the ear. If you have an external dressing, you will be seen the next day in the office for removal of the head dressing. Stitches placed by Dr. Chu will be removed in about a week after surgery. Follow up will take place every two to three weeks for several visits.

 

BLEEDING

 

 Bleeding is uncommon. However, you will have some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal. Often there is a cotton ball dressing in the ear that will need to be changed at regular intervals. Occasionally this will need to be changed every hour or two for the first two days or so. The cotton ball will be readily visible. Two Band-Aids™ used over the ear will help to hold the cotton ball if it falls out. Do not pick at the dressing in the ear canal or stick any objects into the ear canal. Be sure to wash your hands before and after each dressing change.

 

OINTMENT

 

Please do not scratch the incision areas around the ear. The incision will itch, indicating the area is healing. If you have exposed stitches, please apply the ointment, that Dr. Chu has prescribed, at least twice a day. The goal is to keep the suture moist with the ointment, so it can heal properly.

 To best apply the ointment, use a Q-tip™ to remove previously applied ointment and reapply a fresh layer with a new Q-tip™.

ANTIBIOTICS

 If the surgeon prescribes you any antibiotics, follow the directions on the prescription.

 

SPECIAL CARE

 

 Unless advised by Dr. Chu, do not let any water into the ear. This includes water from the bath, shower or swimming pool.

 For showers, avoid water directly into the ear. A bath would be preferable and if possible, get someone to help you wash your hair in the sink. If you must have a shower, replace the cotton ball with a fresh one, apply ointment over the surface of the cotton ball. (do not dunk the cotton ball into the ointment and place into the ear) and avoid direct water into or onto the ear. Dr. Chu will have prescribed you some ear drops. Please start using the drops about one week prior to your scheduled second office visit. The drops will help soften the packing that is deeper in the ear canal and prevents infection.

Contact our office or go to the Emergency Room if any of the following signs or symptoms occur:

• Increase in pain, tenderness, redness or swelling

• Fever greater than 101.5º F

• Any suspicious drainage or discharge from the ear

• You are unable to keep foods or fluids down because of the nausea and vomiting