Hi Jano , Thank you so much , surgery went well, my surgeon said the mass of scar tissue in my throat was as hard as concrete, No wonder I had trouble swallowing ! I am not in any real pain after surgery but naturally my throat is quite sore, I am on soft diet for a week and then advised to gradually try to eat a more varied diet. I want to cough but cant , guess that is due to the muscles in my throat weakening . Back home now recovering - Take care :