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Your consultation

At your consultation your surgeon will thoroughly examine your foot and if felt neccessary discuss the options of bunion surgery as well as the expected results.

An x ray would be taken to show the severity of the bunion deformity. It would also reveal any arthritis that might exist. It is from this x ray that the surgeon can decide which is the most suitable procedure for you.

Your surgeon will discuss how you should prepare for your operation, for example, if you smoke you will be asked to stop, as smoking increases your risk of getting an infection and slows your recovery.

You also need to consider how you will look after yourself after surgery on your return home. You will need to arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital and ideally have someone at home to help for at least 48 hours.

Types of anaesthetic

Your surgeon would discuss the types of anaesthetic available and what might best suit you. Patients have the option of either a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with some sedation.

Having a local anaesthetic means you are awake for the operation. You may decide to have some sedation to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. The anaesthetic is given through an injection at the ankle or behind the knee. The operation is completely pain free and you avoid the side effects sometimes associated with a general anaesthetic.

If you decide to have a general anaesthetic you will be asked to follow fasting instructions . Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours beforehand. You will be asleep for the operation .

On arrival at the hospital your nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure and may test your urine.

Your surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form to ensure that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure . This form is also the confirmation that you are happy to go ahead with the surgery.

Most bunion procedures are carried out as a day case which means you will usually be home by the evening.