LAUP-( Throat Operation)
General
The main difficulty experienced by patients after this laser surgery is pain in the roof of the mouth. This discomfort is due to the healing surfaces which are raw and take between a week to ten days to complete the initial healing. There is a gradual healing which takes a much longer time and generally, judgment of snoring improvement should not be made for a two-month period. One week’s absence from work can be anticipated. This procedure is carried out as a one stage operation and only occasionally may require touch-up revision surgery.
Avoid too much talking; straining, smoky dusty places…Take rest…Frequent coughing and clearing the throat should be avoided. Objectionable mouth odor may be noted and is relieved by abundant fluid intake. A white or gray membrane on the surgical site is normal and should disappear in 1 to 2 weeks
Patients who have undergone UPPP under general anesthesia may notice sutures in the soft palate. These do not need removal, they are absorbable sutures.
Earache or a slight fever is expected and may be disregarded unless condition worsens
- Drink plenty of fluid
- In the first week, soft foods are to be preferred. No roughage or fibrous, spicy, stringy foods which could rub the healing tissue. Soups and soft foods are most easily tolerated. Avoid Citrus juice.
- Use warm salt (saline) water to gargle after food for one week
Bleeding
The danger of serious bleeding is over after you leave the office or hospital. In a small percentage of patients, bleeding may occur after 6 to 8 days. If this happens to you, do not become excited, for this bleeding usually stops spontaneously. Remain quiet, lie down, and spit the blood out gently. Gargle the throat gently with ice water and remain quiet. If the bleeding des not stop promptly, call your doctor.
Pain Relief
The pain experienced can be worst between days 3 to 6. The discomfort experienced will vary from patient to patient. The following instruction treatments may be used in part or in whole, dependant on the discomfort need. In general, it is better to use the medication on a regular basis before the pain sets in, rather than waiting for discomfort to occur.
Analgesic tablets, 3 to 4 times daily, half an hour before meals, is useful for pain relief, particularly days 3 to 6. Do not take more than 8 tablets per day. (These can cause constipation).
Should you get any stomach irritation or have a past history of gastric ulcer, take Rapeperazole/Pantoperazole one a day. Have the Medicines after food.
Antibiotics
As prescribed for five days after surgery.
Mouth Gargles
Betadine as a mouth gargle should be used three times daily. Frequent warm salt water gargle is also equally good.
 
LAPT (Nasal Operation)
- The Nasal turbinates are partially removed by Laser beam.
- Mild discomfort and nasal blockage is expected for a week.
- Use Antihistamine tablet to avoid sneezing. Don’t blow the nose forcibly.
- Apply little Neosporin Oint or any mineral oint three times a day inside the nostril to prevent any crusting-scab forming.
- If any bleeding, instill Nasal drops (Nasivion) 3-4 drops and apply ice pack and rest.
*Schedule follow-up visits after one week
