Stapedectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
A stapedectomy is surgery to remove part or all of your stapes and replace it with a prosthesis. The stapes is a horseshoe-shaped bone in your middle ear. Stapedectomy is used to restore your hearing. Surgery is usually done on one ear at a time.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call 911 for any of the following:
- You have weakness or cannot move one side of your face.
Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
- You have severe pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have sudden hearing loss.
- You have severe dizziness or dizziness that does not get better.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines can help decrease pain or dizziness. You may also need medicine to prevent an infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound as directed:
Keep the area dry and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.
Self-care:
- Rest lying down with your surgery ear facing toward the ceiling for 48 hours. Only get up to go to the bathroom. This will help decrease swelling and pain, and help settle your prosthesis in place.
- Do not strain your ear. Do not blow your nose for at least 1 week. Avoid loud noises, such as concert music. Do not swim or submerge your ear under water.
- Resume normal activities as directed. You can usually go back to your usual activities in 2 to 4 weeks. You may need to avoid flying or diving for 6 months. Do not bend or lift heavy objects.
- Try to avoid others who are sick. This will help prevent infection.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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