ENT Major Ear Surgery (Tavistock Hospital)
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: A-652/TA/ENT/ENT Major Ear Surgery
PDF: ENT Major Ear Surgery (Tavistock Hospital) [pdf] 224KB
Rest and Activity
When you go home you are advised to rest quietly. Do not fulfil any social engagements on that day. If you are still sore you should continue to rest until you feel better. This could take a few days. It is advisable to take 7 days off work. If you do not improve, you should see or contact your G.P.
Pain
It is normal to experience some wound discomfort for 24-48 hours after your operation. You will find that a painkiller taken at regular intervals will help you during this time. If the pain persists or gets worse, you should contact your G.P.
Wound
Your ear should be kept completely dry until you are reviewed in out-patients. If you need to wash your hair before the stitches are removed someone should help you to ensure the affected area is kept dry. It is also useful to put a piece of cotton wool smeared in some Vaseline in your ear to help prevent water from entering your ear.
Aftercare
It is best to avoid crowds and large groups of people with infection until the stitches are removed. Your hearing is likely to be worse after the surgery because of the pack in your ear. The pack must not be removed until your out-patients appointment. It is important to keep the pack covered with cotton wool to prevent it from drying. The cotton wool can be changed as often as you like, but always wash your hands prior to changing it.
Avoid all water sports as advised by your surgeon.
Seek medical advice if you develop:
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Discharge from your ear which has an offensive smell or is stained with pus or blood.
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Excessive Pain.
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Facial Weakness
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Rash, swelling or inflammation around your ear.
Follow-up
Your appointments to be seen in the ENT out-patients department and will be sent to you in the post. The packing material in your ear will be removed at the first appointment, usually two weeks after surgery, when you will be given ear drops to use for a week. A second appointment will be made for 4-6 weeks after surgery when your eardrum will be examined, and a hearing test performed.
Problems
If non-urgent problems occur in the first 72 hours and you need information or advice:
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Please ring Tavistock 017520 436100
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Out of hours: Contact NHS 111
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After 42 Hours: Contact your own GP or 111
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If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, heat, odorous discharge or pain, please contact your G.P. If you do develop an infection within two weeks of your surgery, please let us know by calling 01752 436100
In an emergency
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
