Day of Foot/Ankle Surgery

General Surgical Information:

  • Your individual surgical plan will be reviewed with you by your surgeon.
  • You may- 
    • have stitches in your foot that will require removal in the office.
    • experience pain or soreness after the procedure.
    • have a dressing, splint, or cast on your leg.
    • have screws, plates, or pins in your foot depending on the operation.

Day of Surgery Guidelines:

  • Do not wear any jewelry, body piercings, makeup, nail polish, hairpins or contacts.
  • Leave valuables at home.
  • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
  • Nothing to eat, drink or smoke after midnight, unless otherwise directed. You may take sips of water to take your medications as reviewed by the preadmission nurse. 
  • Please arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled surgical time.
    • The time that you are given is only an estimated start time. Occasionally, your surgery may be delayed. Please be understanding of these time delays.
    • Your Foot & Ankle surgeon always strives to do what is best for all of his/her patients.
  • The Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery will mark the correct leg for the operation in the pre-operative area.
  • Do not mark the leg yourself as it may create confusion for surgery staff.
  • If you have an “Advanced Directive” Please bring it with you. Our staff will need to make a copy of it for your medical records.
  • Please do not bring children and large numbers of visitors to the waiting area.
  • Please bring the following with you:
    • Insurance/prescription cards
    • Co-Pays
    • Medication List
    • Health Care proxy or advanced directives
    • CPAP or Bi-Pap machines (if you have sleep apnea)
    • Loose-fitting clothes
    • Hair ties
    • Any crutches or braces your surgeon has instructed you to bring
    • Storage cases for your glasses/hearing aids/dentures
    • If you are going home on the day of surgery you must have a driver. Even if you are planning to take a taxi or bus you MUST bring someone along to make sure you get home safely. Your surgery will be canceled if you do not have a driver.

Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Arrival:

It is normal to feel a little stressed on the day of surgery. That is why we do our best to help the process run smoothly and put you at ease. Here is a quick summary of what to expect on the day of your surgery:

  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before your surgery time. The extra time prior to surgery will be used to prepare you for surgery.
  • Register in the main lobby at the registration desk.
  • A health care provider will escort you to the surgery area.
  • Two family members will be allowed to wait with you in the ASC.
  • Your health care history will be reviewed.
  • You will be asked to remove all your clothing and change into a hospital gown and socks.
  • You will have your weight and vital signs checked.
  • You will meet the Surgeon, Anesthesia, and the Operating Room nurse.
  • You will be asked to sign consent for the surgery as well as for anesthesia.
  • You will be asked to remove all jewelry, glasses, contacts, hearing aids, and dentures.
  • Once you are prepared and the teams are ready, you will be escorted to the operating room.
  • Anyone with you at this time will be asked to go to the waiting area.
  • Visitors will be provided with a tracking number to keep tabs on you during your surgery.

Recovery Room (PACU):

  • Immediately after surgery, you will have a recovery room phase.
  • You will have your vital signs taken frequently.
  • You will be asked to rate any pain you may have on a 0 - 10 scale. (0 being no discomfort and 10 being an intense discomfort)
  • A typical length of time in the recovery room is 2 hours.
  • If you have sleep apnea or suspected sleep apnea you will be required to stay for 3 hours.