Pre-Operative
Instructions for
Patients Undergoing
Foot & Ankle Surgery
Please
read these instructions carefully
I
On the morning of your operation, be sure to come to the hospital
with an empty stomach, that is, DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER
MIDNIGHT the night before surgery. That means no orange juice, coffee, water, etc. - you
may brush your teeth the morning of the operation, but you must spit the
water out. If you forget
and eat something, your surgery will have to be canceled and rescheduled
for a later date.
II
No aspirin or aspirin containing medications (Advil,
Motrin, Aleve) may be taken for one week prior to surgery.
Please consult your primary care physician if you take aspirin or
other blood thinners before discontinuing the medication.
III
Laboratory Tests. It
is a State requirement that blood tests be done within the 7
days before your surgery, and these results be available at the time of
surgery. You may have these
tests performed by your primary care physician, or at the hospital
pre-admission testing lab. Please
arrange for all test results to be faxed to our office at least two days
prior to surgery. Fax: Sparta Office 973-726-4405 Milford Office
570-296-8110
IV
On the day of your surgery:
-
REPORT
TO THE ADMITTING OFFICE OF THE HOSPITAL CIRCLED BELOW
90 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED SURGERY:
-
Bring
an escort!! It is a
State requirement that all patients undergoing general anesthesia or
sedation must have a responsible adult to escort them home after
surgery.
-
Bring
your insurance information
-
For
contact lens wearers, bring your contact lenses in their containers
and bring saline solution
-
Do
not wear makeup or nail polish
-
Do
not bring expensive jewelry or valuables to the hospital
Post-Operative
Instructions for
Patients Undergoing
Foot & Ankle Surgery
Please
read these instructions carefully
-
Keep
your foot elevated "toes above the nose" for the first 48
hours to reduce swelling. This
means lying down on your couch or bed with your foot resting on
pillows or cushions placed under your leg, such that your
foot is above hip level.
-
Place
ice or cold pack on top of your foot or ankle for 20 minutes, then
remove it for 15-20 minutes. Repeat
for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
Keep
bandages clean and dry. Bathe
or shower only with your foot in a plastic bag. (Alternative:
purchase a foot protector from the office).
-
Your
foot will remain numb for several hours after surgery.
For this reason, do not drive or operate any potentially
hazardous machinery. Important decisions requiring judgment should
be delayed for 24 hours.
-
Do
not put weight on your foot until instructed to do so by your
doctor.
-
Please
call the office if you experience any of the following:
-
There
is excessive bleeding through the bandage. (Minor bleeding is
expected).
-
The
dressing, splint or cast feels too tight.
-
If
you develop a fever.
-
Anything
else that "doesn't feel right."
II
Pain Management: Your doctor will prescribe the
appropriate medication to minimize post-operative discomfort.
III
Please call the office to arrange a follow-up appointment.
