Gregory Carnevale, MD, LLC and Finger Lakes Allergy Clinic
784 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456

Phone: (315) 789-2153
Fax: (315) 789-4781

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Care After Surgery

Adenoidectomy
Closed Reduction of Nasal Fracture
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with or without) Septoplasty
Laryngoscopy
Myringotomy With Tubes
Neck Mass Removal/Facial Lesion Removal
Parotidectomy
Radical Neck Dissection
Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction
Submandibular Gland Excision
Tonsillectomy

MYRINGOTOMY WITH TUBES

• DIET: Resume regular diet
• ACTIVITY: No restrictions
• MEDICATIONS: Ear drops, (Floxin otic soln) 5 drops 2 times a day for 7 days. Discomfort is usually relieved by tylenol.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office 2-3 weeks after surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• WORK/SCHOOL: May return the day after surgery
• INFORMATION: There may be some bloody drainage from the ear. If this does occur, it should decrease over the first 3 days. Report drainage that persists for more than 3 days. Call the doctor for excessive bleeding or pain, and/or fever over 100.4 degrees.
  Swimming and bathing are allowed while the tubes are in. No ear plugs are needed except if swimming in a lake or river, or bathing in very soapy water, then earplugs should be worn and can be obtained from the pharmacy. Our office can also make custom earplugs. If water is bothering your ears, then ear plugs should be worn. If episodes of drainage occur frequently after the tubes are inserted, we may suggest the use of earplugs.

SEPTOPLASTY and TURBINATE REDUCTION

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Do not blow your nose. Sneeze and cough, if needed, with mouth open. Keep the head raised 30 degrees at bedtime for 48 hrs. after surgery. Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS:Take all of the antibiotics prescribed. Please take pain medication as prescribed; follow directions carefully. Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g- Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow clotting of the blood. Use salt water nasal spray (Ocean, Nasal saline, Ayr, etc.), 2 sprays in each nostril 5 times per day for the first 30 days after surgery. This keeps the nasal tissues moist, cleans the nose, promotes healing and keeps crusting to a minimum. Change the nasal drip pad as needed.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office in 1 week. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Bloody nasal drainage is normal and will reduce over the first 7-14 days. Difficulty breathing through the nose is normal and will reduce over the first month after surgery. Call the doctor for excessive bleeding or pain, and/or fever over 100.4 degrees. Headache, nasal pain, and nasal pressure are normal after surgery.

SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND EXCISION

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Keep your head raised 30 degrees (e.g-on 2 pillows) at bedtime, for 48 hrs. after surgery. Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed. Follow directions for taking pain medication carefully. Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g-Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow c lotting of the blood. Apply a thin layer of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the incision site twice a day.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office the next day for drain removal. Stitches will be removed in 7 days. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION:Bloody drainage in the drain or on the gauze dressing is normal and will reduce over 24 to 48 hrs. Pain in the face is normal after this operation. The pain will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery. Swelling in the surgical area is normal and will reduce over the first 4 weeks after surgery. It is important to move your head and neck as usual after surgery to prevent getting a stiff neck and / or a tension headache. Call the doctor for excessive bleeding from the wound or fever over 100.4 degrees.

ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY (with or without) SEPTOPLASTY

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Do not blow your nose. Sneeze and cough, if needed, with mouth open. Keep the head raised 30 degrees at bedtime for 48 hrs. after surgery. No straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks. You may return to work or school 7 days after surgery.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Discomfort is usually relieved by Tylenol with codeine or extra-strength Tylenol. If a stronger medication is prescribed, follow directions carefully. Do not take ASPIRIN or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g- Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow clotting of the blood.
  Use salt water nasal spray (Ocean, Nasal, Aire, etc.), 2 sprays in each nostril 5 times per day for the first 30 days after surgery. This keeps the nasal tissues moist, cleans the nose, promotes healing and keeps crusting to a minimum.
  If a septoplasty was performed, place a small dab of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) just inside both nostrils for 7 days after surgery.
  Change the nasal drip pad as needed.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office in 7 days. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Bloody nasal drainage is normal and will reduce over the first 7 days.
  Difficulty breathing through the nose is normal and will reduce over the first month after surgery.
  Call the doctor for excessive bleeding, eye pain, change in vision or fever over 100.4 degrees.
  Headache, nasal pain, and nasal pressure are normal after surgery.

CLOSED REDUCTION OF NASAL FRACTURE

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: No lifting over 10 lbs, avoid strenuous exercise. No gym class, exercise class or weight lifting for 2 weeks. You may return to school as soon as you feel ready.
• MEDICATIONS: Discomfort is usually relieved by Tylenol with codeine, please follow directions carefully.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office 7 days after your surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Swelling of the eyes is normal. Also, the eyes may get black and blue. This will usually resolve within 2 weeks after surgery.
  Call the doctor for bleeding from the nose that will not stop with pressure.
  Avoid trauma to the nose.
  Do not dislodge the plastic "cast" on the nose. If it loosens and falls off prior to returning to the office, do not attempt to put it back on your nose.
  

RADICAL NECK DISSECTION

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Keep your head raised 30 degrees (ie: on 2 pillows) at bedtime, for 48 hrs. after surgery.
  Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Follow directions carefully for taking the pain medication.
  Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These "thin the blood" and slow clotting of the blood.
  Apply a thin layer of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the incision site twice a day.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office the next day or Monday (if surgery was done on Friday), for drain removal. You may have metal clips closing your incision. These will be removed 6-10 days after your surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Bloody drainage in the drain is normal and will reduce.
  Pain or numbness in the neck is normal after this operation. The pain is expected to reduce over the next 7-14 days. Swelling in the surgical area is normal and will reduce over the first 4 weeks after surgery. Call the doctor for excessive bleeding from the wound or fever over 100.4 F. If the drain becomes full, record the amount of drainage on a piece of paper (and bring the paper to the office when the drain is removed), then lift the plastic flip-top and discard the fluid into the drain or toilet.
  

PAROTIDECTOMY

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Keep your head raised 30 degrees (i.e. on 2 pillows) at bedtime, for 48 hrs. after surgery.
  Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Follow directions for taking pain medication carefully.
  Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These will "thin the blood" and slow clotting of the blood.
  Apply a thin layer of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the incision site twice a day.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office the next day or Monday (if surgery was done on Friday), for drain removal. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Bloody drainage in the drain is normal and will reduce. Pain in the face and/or numbness of the lower half of the ear is normal after this operation. The pain will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery. Swelling in the surgical area is normal and will reduce over the first 4 weeks after surgery. Call the doctor for excessive bleeding from the wound or fever over 100.4. If the drain becomes full, record the amount of drainage on a piece of paper (and bring the paper to the office when the drain is removed), then lift the plastic flip-top and discard the fluid into the drain or toilet.

NECK MASS REMOVAL/FACIAL LESION REMOVAL

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS: If you have been given an antibiotic, take all that were given to you.
  Please take pain medication as prescribed; follow directions carefully.
  Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow clotting of the blood.
  Apply a thin layer of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the incision site twice a day.
  If the incision has been covered with a white gauze, this should be removed 24 hours after surgery, then the ointment should be applied as described.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office in six to seven days for suture removal and discussion of biopsy results. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Pain and swelling in the surgical area is normal, and will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery.
  Call the doctor for excessive bleeding from the wound or fever over 100.4.

LARYNGOSCOPY

• DIET: Resume your previous diet.
• ACTIVITY: Resume all activities.
  Strict voice rest for 2 days. Gentle voice use (no whispering or yelling) for 2 weeks.
• MEDICATIONS: Discomfort is usually relieved by extra-strength Tylenol. If a stronger medication is prescribed, follow directions carefully.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office 1-2 weeks after your surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• INFORMATION: Throat and ear discomfort are normal and will resolve over the first two weeks after surgery
  Tongue pain, numbness and/or tingling is normal and will resolve over the first two weeks after surgery.
  Call the doctor for difficulty breathing or eating, or fever over 100.4.

ADENOIDECTOMY

• DIET: Eat and drink as much as you can. Popsicles, ginger ale, sherbet and similar foods are well tolerated. Progress to regular diet as soon as you are able. Milk is fine to drink, but may cause a thick mucus sensation in the throat.
• ACTIVITY: Avoid lifting over 5 lbs, avoid strenuous exercise. No gym or exercise class for two weeks after surgery.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Take pain medication as prescribed; follow directions carefully.
  Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow clotting of the blood.
• FOLLOW-UP: Return to the office 4 weeks after surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• WORK/SCHOOL: You may return one week after surgery.
• INFORMATION: Call the doctor for bleeding from the mouth or nose, or fever over 100.4.
  Throat pain is normal, and may worsen in the first three days after surgery. This pain will reduce over the first two weeks after surgery.
  Tongue pain, tingling and discomfort are normal and will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery.
  Ear pain is normal, does not signify an ear infection, and will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery.

TONSILLECTOMY (WITH/WITHOUT) ADENOIDECTOMY

• DIET: Eat and drink as much as you can. Popsicles, ginger ale, sherbet and similar foods are well tolerated. Progress to regular diet as soon as you are able. Milk is fine to drink, but may cause a thick mucus sensation in the throat.
• ACTIVITY: Avoid lifting over 5 lbs, avoid strenuous exercise. No gym or exercise class for two weeks after surgery.
• MEDICATIONS: Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.
  Take pain medication as prescribed; follow directions carefully.
  Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These thin the blood and slow clotting of the blood.
• FOLLOW-UP:Return to the office 2-3 weeks after surgery. Call for appointment if not already scheduled. Generally, your appointment has already been made at the time your surgery was booked.
• WORK/SCHOOL: You may return 1-2 weeks after surgery.
• INFORMATION: Call the doctor for bleeding from the mouth or nose, or fever over 100.4.
  Throat pain is normal, and may worsen in the first three days after surgery. This pain will reduce over the first two weeks after surgery.
  Tongue pain, tingling and discomfort are normal and will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery.
  Ear pain is normal, does not signify an ear infection, and will reduce over the first 2 weeks after surgery.
• BLEEDING: There is a risk of bleeding from the tonsil area for up to 2 weeks after surgery. Therefore, you should be out of school/work for 1 week after surgery. The second week after surgery, you may return to work/school but may not participate in any activity that requires physical strain (e.g- gym, heavy lifting/straining etc)as this may promote bleeding. If there is any bleeding, please call your Doctor.
• DEHYDRATION: It is common to have difficulty swallowing after a tonsillectomy. You may not feel like eating solid food for a few days. However, it is important to be able to drink even if you do not eat solid food. If you are not able to even drink water, there is a risk of becoming dehydrated. Please call your Doctor if you are not able to even drink after your surgery.