Considering Surgery

While your doctor will offer conservative treatments as an option, you may decide at some point to move forward with surgery.

• Know your risks. 
  As with all surgery, there are always risks.  Sometimes it's helpful to make a list of concerns, so that your doctor can answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision.
• Know the requirements.
  There is always recovery time associated with surgery, and this varies depending on the type of surgery you have.
• Know the cost.
  You surgery packet will provide you with important contact information for the facility and the anesthesiologist, so that you may obtain an estimate from them directly.  We will provide you with an estimate of the surgeon's costs. 
  We also urge you contact your insurance and to clarify any deductible and/or coinsurance amounts that may be your responsibility.  To assist you with this, we will provide you a specific procedure code before your surgery that your insurance may need.
• Be prepared.
  
  • You will not be allowed to drive home after surgery
  • You cannot eat or drink anything 12 hours prior to your surgery
  • You will need assistance caring for children or other family members the day of your surgery
  • Review your surgery packet thoroughly before your surgery

Facilites

Our doctors preform surgery at the following facilities:

Downloads

Baylor Scott & White Surgery Packet

Wellness Ambulatory Surgery Center Packet

Preparing for Surgery

Laboratory Tests

Your doctor may order laboratory tests in preparation for you surgery. If tests are required, orders will be included in your surgery packet. All tests must be completed at least two days prior to your surgery day. Your surgery may be delayed without these required tests.

Children

• If you are the patient and are responsible for the care of children, arrange for their care for 24 hours, as you could feel drowsy for that time.
• If the patient is a child, a parent must remain at the surgery location before, during and after the surgery. The parent must sign release forms for children under 18.
• The parent must sign release forms for children under 18.
• Guardians of children under 18 must provide written proof of guardianship the day of the surgery.

Transportation

• You will not be allowed to drive a vehicle for 24 hours after your surgery. Please arrange for a responsible person to be with you after the surgery to drive you home.
• The facility will not allow you to leave by cab or Uber.

The Week of Surgery

• 24 to 48 hours before your surgery, you will be contacted by the facility as well as the Anesthesiologist to go over surgery details.
• We will contact you at least 24 hours prior to surgery confirm and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
• Baylor Scott & White requires a pre-op visit at least 3-14 days prior to surgery.  Call 469-764-5400 to schedule your appointment prior to surgery.

The Day Before Surgery

• Do not EAT or DRINK anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, hard candy, gum, chewing tobacco, ice, or prescription medications (unless ordered by your doctor).
• Do not smoke after midnight of the night before your surgery.
• Bathe or shower the night before and the morning of your surgery to minimize chances of infection.
• Teeth may be brushed, but don't swallow any water.

Day of Surgery

• Bring the following with your ID and Insurance care with you.
• Bring a list of current medication and allergies.
• Do not wear contacts, makeup or jewelry.
• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes.

After Surgery

• Go directly home and keep your feet elevated as much as possible on the way.
• Wear the postoperative shoe at all times when standing or walking.
• Elevate your foot/feet for several days following surgery. This will reduce any swelling and pain. Avoid prolonged standing or walking until your doctor advises that you may do so. While sitting or lying down, keep your feet propped up on a chair or pillow, preferably at or above the level of your heart.
• Certain surgeries require you to be non-weight bearing for multiple weeks to allow proper healing. This is accomplished with crutches, a walker or wheelchair. The physical therapist at the hospital will show you the best methods to ambulate effectively. Start slowly and take extra precautions to avoid any falls that may compromise your surgery.
• Take pain medication every 4-6 hours during the day of surgery. After this point, take pain medication on an as-needed basis every 4-6 hours. Postoperative pain that is not controlled by pain medication should be reported to your doctor.
• Apply an ice bag to the top of your foot or ankle (back of the knee if you have a cast) for 20 minutes out of each hour for the first few days after surgery. DO NOT apply an ice bag overnight.
• A small amount of bleeding through the bandage is normal. If the bleeding continues and the bandage becomes soaked, call your doctor.
• If you are wearing a cast which feels tight and your toes become blue, tingling or numb, call the doctor immediately.
• Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat well balanced meals to promote good healing.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU REMOVE BANDAGES OR CAST!! KEEP BANDAGES/CAST CLEAN AND DRY. Your doctor will change the bandages at the first visit after your surgery. Wet bandages need to be changed as soon as possible by the doctor to reduce the risk of infection.  If you get your bandages wet, contact our office immediately. DO NOT remove the bandage.