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We acknowledge we are situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practice their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge. We pay our respects to the traditional owners of the lands on which we live and work across Western Australia and Australia.

Laryngoscopy and/or vocal cord biopsy

POST-OPERATIVE INFORMATION

BEFORE SURGERY:

  • Do not rest your voice. It is easier for the surgeon to detect any pathology if you have not rested your voice
  • Plan your schedule to that you won’t have to talk after surgery
  • Change your voicemail message
  • Cancel any engagements that require talking
  • Pre-operative speech pathology therapy may be recommended to provide education on voice care to instruct post-operative voice exercises
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AFTER SURGERY: Day 1-3

  • Do not speak at all for three days (unless otherwise specified by your surgeon)
  • Use an ipad, text messging, email or pen and paper to communicate
  • Do not whisper at all (this can actually cause more damage)
  • Do not sing or hum
  • Do not cough or throat clear unless necessary
  • Drink large amount of water (2L per day)
  • Reduce intake of caffeine (e.g coffee, tea, cola drinks)  Strongly recommended to prohibit ALCOHOL and SMOKING and to USE A HUMIDIFIER
  • Avoid menthol lozenges

AFTER SURGERY: Day 4

  • Your speech pathologist will recommend gentle voice stretching exercises to commence from Day 4 to aid in wound healing
  • Commence gentle talking up to 5 minutes per hour
  • Gradually increase the amount you talk over the next few weeks to your usual level unless otherwise advised
  • Stop voice use with the sensation of fatigue or pain
  • Further Speech Pathology therapy may be recommended for a period post surgically to ensure ongoing maintenance of your voice.
  • Call Dr Friedland’s rooms if you:
    • Develop a persistent cough or fever
    • If you experience any bleeding or difficulty breathing.

If you have severe symptoms, proceed to the nearest emergency room IMMEDIATELY.

  • Continue to take your regular prescription medications unless otherwise instructed by Dr Friedland.
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