Changi General Hospital - How To Prepare For Ear, Nose And Throat Surgery

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How To Prepare For Ear, Nose And Throat Surgery

How To Prepare For Ear, Nose And Throat Surgery - Admission
You must not have had a cold, cough, fever or sore throat at least a week before your admission. If you smoke, please stop for as long as possible before your operation to avoid chest complications. You will be admitted one day before your operation. To ensure a smooth stay with us, please read our guide for inpatients before admission.
After admission
Shortly after you are admitted, a nurse will show you to your bed and ask you questions about your general health and lifestyle. The doctor will come in to check that you are fit for the operation. At the same time, you’ll be ask for your written consent. If you are below 21 year old, we require a signed consent from your parents or guardian. Please do not eat or drink from midnight until after your operation. We’ll let you know when you can do so. An anaesthetist will see you just before the operation. Inform the doctor or nurse if you have any known allergies.
On the day of surgery
You will be given a gown to change into and asked to empty your bladder. You will also be asked to remove your contact lenses, dentures, prosthesis and jewellery you may have. You may leave your valuables with your relatives if they are present, or with our nursing staff for safekeeping. The nurse will then check your particulars such as identity, type of surgery, and so on. Once you are ready, the nurse will accompany you to the operating theatre. Once you are in the reception area of the operating theatre, the operating theatre nurse will check your particulars again. This is to make sure that you receive safe management throughout.
After surgery
When you are back in your ward, you will be settled into bed, lying on your side. A nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure almost immediately. Pulse checks will be carried out frequently over the next few hours. This is to ensure that you’re recovering properly. If you have any pain or feel that you are about to throw up, please let the nurse know. Appropriate medication will be given. Usually, you’ll need to stay in bed until the next morning. If you need to go to toilet, a nurse will bring you a bedpan or urinal.
Advice on discharge
You will feel tired for a few days, so you should increase your activity level very gradually. Many patients find that they have general aches and pains after the operation, much like having the flu. This is due to the anaesthetic wearing off . it should disappear in about three to four days. If possible, have someone accompany you home, as you may not be as strong as you feel. You’ll be able to take baths and showers after 24 hours.
References:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/healthy/ent/ent.surgery.html http://www.entnet.org http://www.netdoor.com/com/entinfo/index.html If you have any questions, please call our Health Education Centre (HEC) at Tel: 850 1550

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