What are the Benefits and Risks With Podiatric Surgery?
Podiatric surgery is a proven and effective aspect of foot health care. Podiatric surgery is performed on a day case basis usually under local anaesthetic. The benefits of a local anaesthetic include not experiencing the side effects of a general anaesthetic especially nausea and vomiting.
Early post-operative ambulation and discharge home reduce the potential for hospital-acquired infections. You will be able to walk out of the centre and go home immediately after the surgery.
The quicker we can get you walking the quicker you start healing! The calf muscles within the back of the legs act as excellent pumps, they deliver fresh new blood to the operation site and remove swelling, this helps in a speedy recovery from surgery. No operation can be deemed to be without risk and it's important that you are aware of this, however small, before consenting to foot surgery.
We can avoid complications via a system of screening and investigations. This includes a detailed medical and surgical history including questions about various body systems. If any of these raises health problems, further investigations or medical opinion may be sought. It may be decided to avoid surgery or defer it until the problem is treated or under control.
Podiatric Surgery Complications include:
- Prolonged swelling
- Haematoma - accumulation of blood at the operation site
- Thick / sensitive scar
- Loosening / movement is screws and pins used to stabilise joints
- Irritation of screws and pins
- Reactions to the local anaesthetic or prescribed pain killers
- Infections (deep and superficial)
- Temporary / permanent loss of sensation
- Delayed healing of soft tissues or bones
- Circulatory impairment and tissue loss
- *RARELY* thrombosis of the deep veins which can be life threatening
