POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION​-Microlaryngoscopy

WHAT TO EXPECT

• You may have a sore throat and/or sore tongue after surgery from the pressure of the surgical laryngoscopy.

• This discomfort is usually mild and lasts no more than 24 to 48 hours.

• Your voice will be hoarse after surgery for 1 to 3 weeks, but will gradually improve.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. NO SMOKING AFTER THE OPERATION.

2. DIET

   • You should have a light meal after your operation to prevent getting an upset stomach.​

   • Avoid foods that cause reflux.

   • You can eat normally the day after your surgery.

   • It is important to drink plenty of lukewarm water to keep your vocal folds moist.

   • Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.

   • A spoonful of honey daily or decaffeinated beverages laced with honey are acceptable.

3. VOICE REST​

   • Total Voice Rest is required for a least 3 days following surgery. Do not make any sounds at all. No speaking, singing, whispering, humming, whistling, coughing, or throat clearing.​

   • Limited Voice Rest is allowed from day 4 until week 2. Talk using your normal conversational voice, but limit the amount of time you speak to about 15 minutes in one hour.

   • Talk to people only if they are within arm's reach to avoid raising your voice.

   • Avoid using the telephone.

   • Weeks 3 to 4 - gradually increase the amount of daily speaking.

   • Weeks 5 to 6 - speak normally

4. COUGHING AND THROAT CLEARING​

   • Avoid coughing and clearing your throat. Coughing/throat clearing can harm the vocal folds and prevent healing after surgery.​

   • If it feels like there is mucus in your throat, take a sip of water to clear the mucus. If the feeling does not go away, try using an air cough, or singers cough (take a deep breath in, then rapidly and forcefully breath out without making any sound.) An air cough should sound like a huff.

5. MEDICATIONS​

   • You may require medications to revent reflux or swelling after surgery. Dr. Samy will tell you if you need this treatment.​

Follow-up After Surgery

Dr. Samy's secretary books the surgery and follow-up at the same time. Look through your surgery papers Dr. Samy's office gave you either at your appointment or emailed to you. If lost, contact the office for a follow-up. It is essential to have a follow-up with your surgeon after surgery.