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Following the procedure, you'll be moved then to a recovery area where you can relax until the sedation and anesthetic has worn off - and until the doctor is satisfied that you are fit to go home. Plan on spending several hours in recovery. Your doctor may be able to give you a more precise estimate prior to surgery.
Before you leave, you'll probably be prescribed a pain killer along with any other medication your doctor feels you need to take. Ear surgery only rarely leads to complications. There are three main risks.
The first is excessive bleeding, caused by a defect or injury in the middle ear.
The second potential complication is infection of the eardrum at the site of the incision.
Finally, in rare cases, the damage to the ear can be permanent resulting in some hearing loss.
Patient Education
At home, you'll be responsible for keeping the ear dry and away from any environment, which would interfere with the healing process. You'll probably experience some pain during recovery and you may find that applying a warm compress or heating pad to the outer ear will provide some relief.
As with all surgery, you should be alert for signs of infection near the incision - increased swelling, redness, bleeding or other discharge. Your doctor may advise you to be on the alert for other symptoms as well. If you experience any unusual symptoms, report them to your doctor right away.
Before you leave, you'll be given discharge guidelines which may include diet, medication, work and other activity restrictions.
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You'll also make at least one follow-up appointment so that the doctor will be able to check the healing of the incision and/or to remove sutures.
You'll also make at least one follow-up appointment so that the doctor will be able to check the healing of the incision and/or to remove sutures.
This program has been designed to help you to understand a surgical procedure and to empower you to be an active participant in your own care. We hope that you take the time to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor and that you learn as much as you can about your own particular medical situation.
We also want to make sure that you understand all the risks of surgery and potential complications which can follow - no matter how unlikely they may be.
It's important that you understand exactly what the procedure entails - including the risks, benefits and alternative treatments - before you decide to proceed.
Always remember that the final decision to go ahead or not is up to you.
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