Stapedectomy Post-Op Instructions

Stapedectomy

• Keep all water out of the operated ear. When showering, bathing, or washing hair, place some Vaseline on a cotton ball and insert it into the ear canal. When finished washing or bathing, remove the cotton ball and wipe the ear dry.
• Do not blow your nose or lift objects heavier than 10 pounds.
• If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth wide open to avoid exerting excessive pressure in the back of the nose.
• Avoid strenuous activities. You may continue most other regular activities.
• If antibiotic ear drops have been prescribed, place 5 drops in the ear two times a day until your physician directs you to stop.
• If there is an incision behind the ear, apply the antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Polysporin/Neosporin) to the area three times a day until your physician directs you to stop. You may remove any crusts with Q-tip or towel and some peroxide.
• Any cotton in the ear can be replaced as needed. Blood-stained drainage from the ear is normal after ear surgery. Once the ear drainage subsides, the use of the cotton can be discontinued. Do not remove anything else from inside the ear canal.
• For ear pain, use Tylenol as directed or prescription medication as directed. The pain is usually not severe and will subside in a few days. 
• Some dizziness after surgery is normal. If it does not improve gradually over time call, the office.
• Some numbness of the ear and tongue, altered sense of taste, are normal after surgery.
• Call the office for purulent drainage, severe dizziness, fever above 101.5 F, or facial weakness.
• Make an appointment to see the doctor in 3-4 weeks. Follow up times may vary and you’ll be given specific dates after your procedure.