👂ENT Surgery
Anesthesia for ear, nose, throat, and sinus procedures.
Educational information only. This guide is general and may not reflect your specific situation. Always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anesthesia team.
1 · Anesthesia commonly used
Most ENT surgery is performed under general anesthesia, as it often involves the airway. Some minor procedures use local anesthesia or sedation.
Because ENT surgery shares the airway with the anesthesia team, careful planning and communication are especially important.
2 · How to prepare
Report any breathing problems, sleep apnea, or snoring.
Tell your team about loose teeth or difficulty opening your mouth.
Arrange a quiet recovery — throat or nasal surgery can be uncomfortable.
Stop smoking as early as possible to improve healing.
3 · Fasting instructions
| Before surgery | Guidance |
|---|
| Solid food | Stop eating at least 6 hours before |
| Light meal / milk | At least 6 hours before |
| Clear fluids (water, clear juice) | Usually allowed up to 2 hours before |
| Alcohol | Avoid for 24 hours before |
| Smoking | Stop as early as possible before surgery |
4 · Medication guidance
Mention blood thinners and aspirin — nasal and throat surgery can bleed.
Continue inhalers and routine medications; bring inhalers to hospital if you use them.
5 · On the day of surgery
IV placed; you're brought to sleep with general anesthesia.
A breathing tube is used to protect and share the airway.
The surgeon and anesthesiologist coordinate closely.
You wake in recovery with close monitoring of breathing.
6 · Common risks & side effects
Sore throat or hoarseness — common after airway surgery and a breathing tube.
Nausea — especially after ear surgery; treatable.
Minor bleeding from the nose or throat.
Airway swelling is uncommon and closely watched for.
7 · Recovery expectations
Throat surgery (like tonsillectomy) can cause significant throat pain for several days — regular pain relief and fluids help.
After nasal surgery, expect congestion. Most patients go home the same or next day.
8 · Frequently asked questions
Why general anesthesia?
ENT surgery often involves the airway, so being fully asleep with a protected airway is safest.
Will my throat hurt?
A mild sore throat is common from the breathing tube; throat surgery causes more soreness.
Can I eat afterward?
Start with cool, soft foods and fluids as advised by your team.
What about my sleep apnea?
Tell your team — it affects your anesthesia plan and monitoring.
9 · Related educational videos