Preparing for Your Foot or Ankle Surgery

If you have decided to proceed with foot or ankle surgery - careful preparation can make a real difference to your experience and recovery. This video explains how to prepare for your operation. Once surgery is agreed - a great deal of coordination happens behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. My team works closely with pre-assessment teams, anaesthetic teams, and theatre teams to plan your procedure. If you are using medical insurance, my team will also liaise with your insurer, to ensure the necessary approvals are in place. Before your surgery - you will attend a pre-operative assessment. This ensures you are medically fit for the procedure and anaesthetic. The assessment typically includes blood tests, heart tracings, and a review of your medications - Please bring a complete list of all medications and supplements you currently take. If you smoke - I strongly encourage you to stop before surgery. Smoking significantly affects bone healing and increases the risk of complications. Even stopping for a few weeks before your operation can improve outcomes. For further guidance, your GP or pharmacist can provide support with smoking cessation. Certain medications may need to be adjusted before surgery. For example, Blood-thinning medications require careful management. During your pre-operative assessment, the team will advise you which medications to continue and which to pause temporarily. Please do not stop any medication without specific guidance from the medical team. In the days before surgery - prepare your home for recovery. This includes, arranging comfortable seating, keeping frequently used items within easy reach, and ensuring clear pathways. Also, consider preparing meals in advance, and setting up a comfortable recovery space on the ground floor if possible. On the day of surgery - please follow the fasting instructions you have been given carefully. Also, wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring slippers, or very wide shoes for leaving the hospital. Most foot and ankle procedures are performed as day cases, so you can expect to return home later the same day. We will also discuss anaesthetic options before your surgery. These may include general anaesthetic; spinal anaesthetic; or regional nerve blocks. Many patients benefit from a local anaesthetic top-up that provides extended pain relief after the operation. I will recommend the best approach for your specific procedure and circumstances. You will need someone to collect you from the hospital, after your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home. Also, please ensure a responsible adult can stay with you for the first night, as you may feel drowsy from the anaesthetic. If you have any questions about preparing for your surgery, please contact my team. Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth procedure and supports the best possible recovery.