Pre-Operative Information Packet

Lance Silverman, M.D., F.A.A.O.S.

Introduction to Surgery
Pre-surgery Checklist
Day of Surgery
Understanding Anesthesia
Post-Operative Care

1. Introduction To Surgery

Thank you for choosing Dr. Lance Silverman and the OrthoArizona team for your upcoming surgery. With decades of experience performing both routine and complex foot and ankle procedures, Dr. Silverman and his team are committed to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

A successful recovery is a team effort. We will do everything we can to prepare you for surgery and support your recovery, and your active participation is equally important. This packet, along with your surgery-specific materials, explains what to expect and the steps you can take to put yourself in the best position for a strong recovery.

2. Pre-Surgery Checklist

Use this checklist to help prepare for your surgery and ensure your surgical day goes as smoothly as possible.

What to Bring to the Surgical Center

Photo ID – A government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Insurance Information – Bring your insurance card or a copy of your insurance information.
List of Current Medications – Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosages.
Medication Allergies – Be prepared to provide a list of any known medication or substance allergies.
Comfortable Clothing – Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your foot or ankle.
Footwear – If you have been instructed to bring a surgical shoe, boot, or other post-operative footwear, please bring it with you.
Crutches or Walker (if applicable) – If you have been instructed to use crutches or a walker after surgery and already have them, please bring them with you.

Arrival Instructions

Plan to Arrive: The surgical center will typically ask you to arrive 1–2 hours before your scheduled procedure. Expect a phone call 1–2 days before surgery with your arrival time and final instructions.

Please confirm the address and directions to the surgical center in advance so you have plenty of time to arrive and check in.

Food and Medication Instructions

Food and Drink:

You are required to fast before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure, including water, gum, candy, or alcohol, unless you have been specifically instructed otherwise.
Food or liquid in the stomach during anesthesia can create serious risks and may require your surgery to be canceled or postponed.
If you have been instructed to take medication the morning of surgery, take it only as directed and with a small sip of water.

Medications:

Make sure your surgical team is aware of all medications and supplements you take, including aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
You may be instructed to stop certain medications before surgery. Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and medical team carefully.
On the morning of surgery, take only medications you have specifically been instructed to take.
If you have diabetes, follow the instructions provided by your surgeon or anesthesia team regarding insulin, diabetes medications, and blood sugar management.

Additional Instructions

Personal Items – Leave jewelry, watches, and other valuables at home.
Nail Polish – Please remove nail polish from your toes before surgery so your circulation can be monitored.
Changes in Your Health – Contact our office if you experience any significant change in your health before surgery.
Pregnancy – Please inform the surgical team if there is any possibility you may be pregnant.
Transportation – Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home following surgery. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home after receiving anesthesia.

3. Day of Surgery

Knowing what to expect can help make your surgical day more comfortable and less stressful. Your care team will guide you through each step of the process.

Arriving at the Surgical Center

Check-In: Check in at the front desk and provide your photo ID, insurance information, and any required paperwork.
Pre-Operative Preparation: You will be taken to the pre-operative area and asked to change into a surgical gown. Your care team will review information such as your medications, allergies, height, weight, and medical history.
Safety Verification: The surgical team will confirm your identity, procedure, surgical site, and relevant medical information before surgery.

Meeting Your Medical Team

Dr. Silverman

Before surgery, Dr. Silverman will meet with you to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions. He will also confirm and mark the surgical site as part of the safety process.

Anesthesia Provider

You will meet with your anesthesia provider before surgery to discuss the anesthesia plan and address any questions or concerns.

Depending on your procedure, anesthesia may include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia such as a nerve block, local anesthesia, sedation, or a combination of these approaches.

Once the surgical and anesthesia teams have completed the necessary safety checks and confirmed that your anesthesia is working appropriately, your procedure will begin.

4. Understanding Anesthesia

Anesthesia helps keep you comfortable and pain-free during surgery. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your procedure, overall health, and other individual factors. Your anesthesia provider will discuss the recommended approach with you before surgery.

Types of Anesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs a specific area of the foot or ankle. You remain awake but should not feel pain in the treated area.

Regional Anesthesia / Nerve Block

Regional anesthesia temporarily blocks sensation in a larger area of the leg, foot, or ankle. A nerve block may also provide pain relief for a period of time following surgery.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia places you into a controlled sleep-like state during surgery. You will not be aware of the procedure while the anesthesia is in effect.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

Monitored anesthesia care typically combines sedation with local or regional anesthesia. You may be relaxed or drowsy without being fully unconscious.

Possible Side Effects of Anesthesia

Side effects vary depending on the type of anesthesia used and your individual health.

Possible effects of local or regional anesthesia may include:

Mild swelling or bruising at the injection site
Temporary weakness or numbness in the foot or ankle
Rarely, infection or nerve-related complications

Possible effects of general anesthesia may include:

Nausea and vomiting
Sore throat
Drowsiness or grogginess
Temporary confusion or memory changes
Rarely, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or other complications

Managing Anesthesia Care

Your anesthesia provider will review your medical history, medications, and allergies before surgery and will monitor you closely throughout the procedure.

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area and monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Your care team will make sure you are recovering appropriately before you are discharged.

5. Post-Operative Care

Dr. Silverman will provide instructions specific to your procedure. The following information provides a general overview of what you can expect immediately after surgery and during the early stages of recovery.

Before You Leave the Surgical Center

Recovery Room

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where the nursing team will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. You may initially feel groggy, disoriented, or cold. These are common effects following anesthesia.

Pain Management

Your medical team will address any pain or discomfort and will provide instructions for managing pain after you leave the surgical center.

Discharge and Going Home

Many foot and ankle procedures allow patients to return home the same day.

Because anesthesia can temporarily affect your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery.

Before you leave, your surgical team will review your post-operative instructions, which may include:

Care of your surgical site, dressing, splint, or cast
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Weight-bearing and activity restrictions
Use of crutches, a walker, boot, or other assistive devices
Follow-up appointments

Follow these instructions carefully, as they are specific to your procedure.

Recovering at Home

Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common following foot or ankle surgery. Follow the elevation, icing, medication, weight-bearing, and activity instructions provided by Dr. Silverman and your surgical team.

Do not resume restricted activities until you have been cleared to do so.

Follow-Up Care

You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Silverman so he can evaluate your progress and healing. Depending on your procedure, this visit may also include a dressing change, removal of sutures, imaging, or adjustments to your activity and weight-bearing restrictions.

Important Reminders During Recovery

Follow Your Instructions

Your procedure-specific instructions should always take priority over the general information in this packet.

Pain and Other Symptoms

Some discomfort is expected after surgery. Contact our office if you experience severe or unexpected pain, significant nausea, or any other symptoms that concern you.

Rest and Recovery

Allow your body time to heal and follow your activity and weight-bearing restrictions carefully.

Help at Home

Arrange for someone to assist you during your initial recovery as needed. This may include help with transportation, meals, medications, mobility, and other daily activities.

Questions or Concerns?

We are here to support you throughout your surgical experience. If you have questions before surgery or during your recovery, please contact Dr. Silverman’s team.

OrthoArizona
602-493-9361, Ext. 5561

Thank you for trusting us with your care. We look forward to helping you achieve the strongest recovery possible.

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