Endoscopic Laryngeal Microscopic Surgery (ELMS)

The following instructions contain general information and advice regarding your condition and are designed to provide you with a guide on how best to safeguard your health after Endoscopic Laryngeal Microscopic Surgery (ELMS). However, they are not intended to be exhaustive instructions.

Important:

In specific cases you may receive different/additional instructions from your doctor. You are advised to follow any specific written or oral instructions given to you by your doctor or healthcare worker.

Please seek clarification in case of doubt.

Activity / Rehabilitation

• Rest your voice strictly for at least 1 week. Completely avoid making any voiced sounds, even simple sounds like ‘mmhmm’. You will find it helpful to carry a writing pad and pen for communication.
• Avoid excessive coughing and throat clearing (swallow a small sip of warm water to relieve any irritation instead)
• When you resume talking, do so in a gradual fashion, and follow advice on maintaining good vocal hygiene

Nutrition / Diet

• There are no restrictions on your diet. If you have underlying medical problems, follow recommended nutritional advice from your healthcare provider.
• Take a soft diet if you have difficulty swallowing.
• Avoid citrus fruits (e.g. oranges and lemons) and spicy food to prevent irritation of the throat.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep throat moist and hydrated.

Safe and effective use of medication

• Take prescribed medication as instructed by the pharmacist.

Special Instructions

• Maintain good oral hygiene and rinse your mouth frequently after every meal.
• Do not smoke and avoid coming into contact with people who smoke.
• Avoid repeated coughing, attempts to clear throat or whispering as these may worsen hoarseness and impede recovery of the voice.

When and how to seek further treatment

Seek medical consultation with your doctor at the Specialist Outpatient Clinic during office hours or at the Department of Emergency Medicine of Singapore General Hospital after office hours, if any one of the following conditions occurs:

• Severe sore throat and loss of voice.
• Fever of 38 °C and above.
• Any other abnormal and/or prolonged symptoms, which cause concern.

If you need to clarify on any of the above conditions, you can contact your ward nurse clinician.

• Ward Nurse Clinician 63214550 / 63214551
• Operator (Singapore General Hospital) 62223322

Follow - Up Appointment

Keep your appointment(s) as scheduled.
For any change of appointment(s),

• Visit website: https://www.sgh.com.sg/appointments 
• Call the Singapore General Hospital appointment hotline at 6321 4377
• Email to appointments@sgh.com.sg

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