Foot Surgery Guide For Patients: The Pre-operative Process
Posted: Thursday, October 22, 2009
by Scott Kilberg
Indiana Podiatry Group
The surgical process can seem very complicated and scary. Although it is normal to experience apprehension with this process, a little information and reassurance can help make this process easier. The purpose of this article is to provide those of you who are having foot surgery information regarding the pre-operative process to make this time less stressful and more familiar. This article should not replace your surgeon's specific instructions, but should serve as a guide taking into account the experience of many who have had foot surgery before you.
The week prior to your surgery is a very important one. During this week, you must prepare your home and your life for the upcoming recovery process. If you have limited help, you need to spend this time preparing for issues that normally would not arise, such as ensuring you have adequate transportation to and from the surgery center, to your surgeon for follow-up appointments, as well as for any emergent unexpected need. If you are having surgery on your right foot or if you drive a manual transmission vehicle, it is not recommended you drive post-operatively until cleared by your surgeon. Keep in mind it is also imperative you not drive yourself to and from the surgery center on the day of surgery, as the anesthesia and general effect of the act of surgery itself makes it dangerous for you to drive yourself home. Other factors to consider when preparing for surgery during this week is ensuring a well stocked kitchen to avoid the need to grocery shop, completion of all immediate errands and tasks at home and work, as well as an adequate supply of games and entertainment to make the first week at home pass by quickly. The first week of recovery should be spent doing just that, rather than worrying about the other details of life. It is also advised that during the week before surgery you should fill all post-operative medications to have available immediately upon return from the surgery center. Any other prescription medications you may be running low on should be filled in case you have difficulty obtaining them during recovery. Be sure to discontinue any medications your doctor has requested you discontinue prior to your surgery. Failure do do this may result in a cancellation of your surgery that morning as certain medications pose a danger to the surgical and recovery process.
The Morning Of The Surgery
The morning of the surgery (and by extension the night before) can be extremely stressful, and scary as well. This is especially true if you have never had surgery before, or are having a major operation. This is perfectly normal. There are some steps you can take to ease this anxiety. It is of vital importance that you have a well balanced, nutritious, and filling meal the evening before the surgery. Make sure you go to bed early, and get plenty of healthy sleep. If you have lingering concerns or doubts, it is perfectly acceptable to call your surgeon with your questions or concerns. You will not be the first to have these concerns, nor will you be the last. Your surgeon is the best person to answer your questions and help with your concerns about the surgery to the fullest extent. Try to avoid distractions to sleep the night before, such as exciting movies or television programs, and if applicable have a spouse or family member/friend help with children or pets that night. It is very important to get up on time in the morning for two reasons. Firstly, the less you have to rush to arrive on time to the surgery center, the less stressed and anxious you will be. Secondly, you obviously must arrive on time to have the surgical staff prepare you for the surgery adequately. Often this will be very early in the morning. If you arrive to the surgery center late, even if it is technically before your surgical start time, the staff may not be able to prepare you adequately enough to stay on time. This will force your surgeon to cancel your case, as it will cause delay to all the other surgeons to follow your surgeon in that operating room. Once you arrive to the surgery center, you will have to check in with a reception or registration desk depending on the facility. They will obtain more information on you and verify your insurance, or review payment plans if you are uninsured. There may be paperwork to fill out and sign during this time as well, and you will sign a consent for the surgery center to provide you with care during the surgical process. You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown, and your possessions will be collected and held safe. Depending on the surgical center, at least one member of your family will usually be allowed to accompany you during the entire process leading up to the actual surgery. The staff will place you in a comfortable pre-operative room or bed, where they will take any labs ordered by your surgeon, including an EKG if appropriate. An IV line will be started so medication and fluids can be given throughout the surgical process. This may be briefly uncomfortable as it involves a small needle, but it is vitally necessary and the process will be over in under a minute. At some point, you will meet your anesthesiologist, who will discuss all your options for anesthesia, as well as the risks associated with this. Your anesthesiologist will have previously reviewed your medical information, and will be aware of any health conditions that may make one form of anesthesia better than the other. However, he/she may need to ask more questions to make the best decision possible on what to give you. If you are simply having a minor case with local numbing by your surgeon, or if your health is too poor for other forms of anesthesia, you will not see an anesthesiologist. Your surgeon will eventually meet with you to review your surgery, ensure all your questions are answered, and reinforce your post-operative instructions so you may have an uneventful recovery. At that point, barring any problems with your pre-operative labs or studies, you will be taken to the operating room.
This completes the pre-operative process. Hopefully, it has shed some light for those of you who are about to undergo surgery and have lingering questions. As always, you should contact your surgeon for specific information for your particular case, or to answer specific questions regarding your concerns or confusions.
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Dr. Kilberg provides compassionate and complete foot and ankle care to adults and children in the Indianapolis area. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He enjoys providing comprehensive foot health information to the online community to help the public better understand their feet. Visit his practice website at www.inpodiatrygroup.com
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