Pre-operative instructions for foot surgery patients
You have been given an operation date for foot surgery and
should be contacted by the day surgery unit with a confirmation of
the appointment and directions. If you have not received this
within two weeks of the operation, please contact Mr Prior.
If you are covered by medical insurance, you should inform them
of the proposed date and hospital prior to the operation. They will
normally provide a pre-authorisation number. They may require the
proposed operation(s) and code(s).
Please notify Mr Prior if you cannot attend so that another
patient can be booked in your place.
On rare occasions it is necessary to cancel appointments. This
can occur at the time of surgery if a previous operation has taken
longer than expected. Every effort is made to avoid this and
provide as much notice as possible.
In order to reduce the pain following surgery, you will require
pain killers. You should get these before the operation and bring
them with you to the operation. Some patients require additional
drugs (e.g. antibiotics).
If you require a prescription from your GP please arrange an
appointment one week prior to surgery.
Prior to surgery
- Ensure that you have someone to collect you after surgery and
to stay with you for the first 4 days.
- Wash your foot (feet) daily with betadine surgical scrub
(unless you have an allergy to iodine) or skin cleanser for 5
minutes each morning and night 3 days prior to surgery.
- Cut your toenails and clean under the nails well the day before
surgery. Remove all nail polish.
- Do not eat for 1 hour before surgery.
- Wear loose clothing as a large dressing will be applied after
the operation.
- Make sure you inform the podiatrist if you have an allergy to
any medication or if your medication has been changed.
Your operation will be performed under a local anaesthetic in
the operating theatre. When you arrive on the unit a nurse will
change you into a theatre gown. The local anaesthetic will then be
administered by one of the podiatry team before you are taken into
theatre so that it has time to take effect.
During surgery
Before your operation starts, a tourniquet will be applied to
your lower leg. This will be inflated so as to minimise bleeding
throughout the operation. It is normal for this to feel quite
tight.
Your blood pressure and heart rate is routinely monitored
throughout the operation.
During the procedure, towels ensure that you are unable to see
anything and you may bring something to read or a Walkman to listen
to if you wish.
After surgery
On leaving theatre you will be transferred to the step-down area
where you will have to remain on the theatre trolley with your foot
elevated for 30 minutes. You will then be discharged home with your
escort.
You will have a large bandage on your foot, therefore you will
be given a special shoe. You will be provided with crutches if
these are necessary.
- You will not be able to drive after your operation so make sure
you arrange for a lift home and someone to accompany you.
- You will not be able to walk on your foot for at least 2-4 days
after the operation. Make sure you have adequate help at home for
this period.
- Ensure that you have pain killers, follow the instructions on
the packet and do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Your operation may require a screw or pin being inserted into
your foot. In some instances, this may be left sticking out of the
foot. Whilst this will be covered by a dressing, extra care is
required to avoid any damage.
- Generally, the pins and screws are left in place (other than
those that are left sticking out). However, these sometimes move or
become prominent when the swelling reduces and this often occurs
many months after the operation. If this is the case they need to
be removed and you should contact our department immediately. It is
therefore advisable to keep the contact telephone numbers.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Mr Prior
on 0208 502 1777