Pre-operative Instructions

1. After any general anaesthetic procedure, it will be necessary for someone to accompany you home and you should not perform any of the following activities within the first 24 hours; driving a car, using public transport without assistance, operating machinery, signing important documents or drinking alcohol.

2. Fasting (ceasing all food and drink, including water) is necessary for 6 hours prior to your operation.

3. Please start your pre-operative medications as indicated one day in advance of the operation date.

4. Separate scripts for post-operative medications will be given to you on the day of the operation if required.

Post-operative Care Instructions

1. Some swelling and/or difficulty in opening the mouth is common. This should begin to subside after 2-3 days. Ice packs (provided by the hospital) applied immediately following surgery and at home for the next 24-48 hours may limit the amount of swelling and pain.

2. Moderate pain can be controlled, by taking the prescribed medicine in the recommended way. Warm packs applied after day 3 may help control any remaining pain or muscle fatigue.

3. Continued pain, swelling or raised temperature may indicate infection. Infection can be avoided by good oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth gently after each meal, using a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water or chlorhexidine mouth rinses (available from your pharmacy eg. Savacol).

4. Continued bleeding is not normal. The following actions help minimise bleeding:

• Apply a piece of gauze or small folded clean handkerchief to the wound and keep it in place under moderate pressure. Sit still and maintain this pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding cannot be stopped by this method, ring Dr Paton.
• Avoid excessive exercise for at least 2-3 days following surgery.
• Keep the head elevated (at least 2 pillows) when lying down.
• Avoid hot foods/fluids for 48 hours after surgery.

5. Avoid dehydration by keeping up fluid intake. A soft nutritious diet is recommended (ie scrambled eggs/yoghurt/jelly/milkshakes).

6. Avoid placing fingers, or any object unnecessarily in the mouth to avoid injury or infection. A soft toothbrush should be used to gently clean your teeth but do not brush the area near the wound for 5 days.

7. Please do not chew a numb lip or tongue – a nasty injury may result!

8. Most stitches placed in your mouth are made from dissolvable material and will dissolve in 7-10 days.

9. You will receive a post operative phone call the day after surgery (if your procedure was performed on Friday, you will be contacted on Monday) by our nurse.

10. If you have any further questions in relation to the operation or this form, please contact the surgery on 07 55 031744. For urgent afterhours please contact Dr Paton on the number provided on his discharge instruction sheet.

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