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Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty) - Advice for parents.
The Surgery:
The operation can be carried out on one or both ears. During the operation a small groove will be made in the cartilage behind the ear, and a small piece of skin removed. The ear is then able to be folded flatter to the side of the head.
Stitches:
These will may need to be removed in ten days time. If so an appointment will be made for your child and given to you before you leave the hospital.
Dressings:
The dressings under the head bandage may have been stitched in place. Both the dressings and the head bandage must remain in place for ten days until they are removed in the dressing clinic. They should be kept as clean and dry as possible.
Pain:
A local anaesthetic is injected into the area during the operation. This is usually sufficient for pain relief for the first few hours. We recommend that for the first 24-48 hours a suitable form of analgesia is given.... Paracetamol (Calpol. Junior Disprin/Disprol) or Ibuprofen (syrup or tablets) (Ibuprofen is not suitable for asthmatics) The nursing staff will discuss with you the options for analgesia.
Outpatients:
Following the removal of dressings and possibly stitches the doctor will wish to see your child again in a few months time. An appointment will be made for you.
School:
Your child will be able to return to school once the bandages and stitches have been removed. However P.E., Games and swimming should be avoided for at least another month due to the bruising.
Aftercare:
For about one month following the removal of the stitches it will be necessary for your child to wear a head bandage at night. This is to prevent the ears becoming accidentally folded over during sleep. Hairwashing should be gentle as the ears will be a little swollen and bruised for several weeks. This swelling and bruising will disappear in its own time.
Should you need to consult your GP (Family Doctor) with a problem related to your operation within 3 weeks of surgery we would appreciate you contacting the Day Surgery Unit. This will enable us to monitor your progress. Please ask to speak to the paediatric nurse (Tel: 01482 675066)
Should you need any further help or advice please telephone the Day Surgery Unit, 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday (Tel: 01482 675066) At other times, only in an emergency please contact Ward 130 east, Hull Royal Infirmary (Tel: 01482 674469)
The Day Surgery Unit is continually striving to improve patient information. If you feel we could improve our information we would be pleased to hear from you.
