After Neck Dissection – Dr. Comer

How do I care for myself after surgery?

Medicine: Take all medicine as instructed. Take pain medicine with food to protect your stomach. They may cause drowsiness, nausea, or constipation. Do not take Tylenol, since the pain medicine likely has Tylenol in it. Do not drive while on narcotic pain medicine.

Eating and drinking: If you had general anesthesia, you may have upset stomach or vomiting. You should eat a light or liquid diet day after surgery. You may go back to your normal foods the next day.

Activity:

• Keep your head raised at all times the for 4-5 days, even while sleeping.

• For 2 weeks, only do light work or play – nothing vigorous. Avoid bike riding, rough play, running, or swimming.

• Do not lift anything more than 15 pounds for 1 week.

Wound care:

• You may have a drain in your neck after surgery. Your nurse will teach you how to care for it. If there is no drain, then you may remove any dressing the day after surgery. This dressing protects the wound. 

• The day after surgery, start cleaning the wound(s) twice a day. Use a Q-tip soaked in half peroxide and half water. Pat dry and apply an antibiotic ointment. Do this for 5 days. 

• You may get the wound wet in the shower after 2 days. Do not soak the wound in water until it fully heals. This usually takes in 2 weeks.

Things to avoid:

• Do not drive until you can move your neck to look around and you are no longer on narcotic pain medicine.

• Avoid straining with bowel movements. You may need to get an over-the-counter stool softener.

• Do not take any medicines that may make you bleed easily one week before surgery and one week after surgery, unless cleared by your doctor. This includes aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Motrin, Aleve, or Advil). If you are uncertain, call your pharmacist or the nurse.

• Avoid direct sunlight to the area to avoid more scars. For a year after surgery, put sunblock on your scars when in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause scars to discolor.  

When should I follow-up with the doctor?

If you have a drain, your clinic visit will be 1-3 days after surgery. Dr. Comer will remove the drain. If you do not have a drain, your clinic visit will be 5-7 days after surgery. Dr. Comer will remove stitches and check the wound.

When should I call the doctor?

Call Dr. Comer – or go to the emergency room – if  you have any of these:

• Lots of bleeding

• Swelling, increased warmth, or redness near the wound

• Drainage from the wound

• Fever of 102 or higher

• Pain is not helped by medicine

• Nausea or vomiting that does not go away

• Shortness of breath

• Tingling or cramps in your hands, feet or lips

Please call if you have any questions or problems. Call the clinic at 859-257-5405. After hours, call 859-323-5321 and ask for ENT on call.