Post Operative Instructions After Stapedotomy
Post-Operative Instructions After Stapedotomy (Stapes Surgery) By Dr. Muddazir
🏥 Immediate Post-Operative Period (First Week)
1. Head Elevation & Rest
- Sleep with your head elevated using 2–3 pillows for 5–7 days.
- Light walking indoors is encouraged; avoid prolonged bed rest.
2. Ear Packing
- Do not remove or disturb any packing inside the ear canal.
- Change the outer cotton ball dressing only if instructed.
3. Wound Care
- Keep the ear completely dry.
- Use a shower cap or petroleum jelly-coated cotton ball during bathing.
4. Avoid Straining
- Do not blow your nose; sneeze with your mouth open.
- Avoid lifting, bending, or straining during bowel movements.
- Consider stool softeners to reduce straining.
5. Dizziness and Balance
- Mild imbalance is normal. Get up slowly and avoid sudden movements.
- Avoid heights or unassisted stair climbing until balance improves.
🍽️ Diet and Medications
- Resume regular meals as tolerated.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
- Take antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed.
- Anti-vertigo medicines may be used if dizziness is significant.
📵 Activity Restrictions
- No air travel for 8-12 weeks.
- No swimming for 3-4 months.
- Avoid exposure to loud noises.
- Refrain from heavy exercise or gym workouts for 3–4 months.
- Do not drive until cleared, especially if experiencing dizziness.
🦤 Hearing Expectations
- Hearing may be muffled initially due to packing/swelling.
- Do not attempt to self-test hearing.
- Full hearing improvement is usually evaluated after 8-12 weeks.
⚠️ When to Contact the Clinic
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Increasing ear pain or heavy discharge
- Sudden hearing loss or facial muscle weakness
- Continuous or loud ringing in the ear
🗓️ Follow-Up
- First follow-up: 5–7 days post-op
- Second follow-up: 3–4 weeks post-op
- Hearing test (audiometry): 6–8 weeks after surgery