Stapedectomy

A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure of the middle ear performed to improve hearing.

Postoperative Care Instructions for Stapedectomy

1. Keep all water out of operated ear. When showering, bathing, or washing hair, place some Vaseline on cotton ball and insert into ear canal. When finished washing or bathing, remove cotton ball and wipe ear dry.
2. Do not blow your nose or lift objects heavier than 10 pounds.
3. If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth wide open to avoid exerting excessive pressure in the back of the nose.
4. Avoid strenuous activities. You may continue most other regular activities.
5. Keep head elevated on 2 or more pillows when in bed.
6. If antibiotic ear drops have been prescribed, place 5 drops in the ear two times a day until your physician directs you to stop.
7. If there are stitches behind the ear, clean the stitches with hydrogen peroxide; and then apply the antibiotic ointment to the area twice a day until your physician directs you to stop. If there is surgical tape (Steri-Strips) covering the wound, leave the tape alone and do not use hydrogen peroxide. Two weeks after your surgery, the tapes can be removed by pulling from the top of the tape downward.
8. 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, use of the cotton can be discontinued. Do not remove anything else from inside the ear canal.
9. 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.
10. Call the office for purulent drainage, severe dizziness, fever above 101.5 F, or facial weakness.