You decided to undergo outpatient surgery. Your surgeon will meet with you to explain the intervention in detail.

For any surgical intervention, however, you should be aware of the following points:

• Please do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
• Please notify your doctor of any change in your health before surgery (such as flu, infection, cardiovascular problems).
  
• Please make sure that your lab values (blood test) are available to us on the day of surgery and bring a recent ECG.
  
• On the day of surgery please bring two freshly laundered fitted or flat sheets and crutches, if available.
  
• On the day of surgery please bring your X-ray or MRI images.
  
• Carefully fill out the Consent for Anaesthesia Services. If you have problems answering one or the other question, please discuss these issues with our anaesthetist immediately before surgery.
  
• Please make sure that a family member or friend is available on the day of surgery to drive you home after the procdure and stay with you (overnight). You can also take a taxi to return home, but you should have an escort.
  
• Please do not bring any valuables, such as money or jewelry. We cannot accept responsibility for loss of valuables!
  
• If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason, please notify us at least 3 days before the scheduled date. This allows us to make arrangements for another patient. Please understand that we will have to charge you any costs incurred if you cancel your appointment too late (accidents excepted).
  
• If it becomes necessary to reschedule the operation, we would ask you to be available on the day of surgery.
  
• Do not use skin care products before surgery and carefully remove plaster or tape dressings from the limb concerned.
  

Additionally, please observe the following recommendations:

• Do not make any important decisions, sign documents, drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
  
• After surgery on the legs, do not walk about more than necessary. Elevate the surgical leg and put ice on the sore area.
  
• Before leaving the practice after surgery, please come to the admission area where you will receive prescriptions and be informed of your follow-up appointments.
  
• Please take medications as instructed.
  
• About 30 minutes after surgery you are allowed to drink tea or still water, about 1 hour after surgery you may eat a light snack. Do not drink alcoholic beverages on the day of surgery. For the time shortly after surgery, please bring tea or still water and something to eat (such as a roll or pastry).
  
• Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of surgery (track suit, T-shirt).
  
• Do not allow the surgical wounds to become wet before the stitches are taken out.
  
• Before surgery arrange for an appointment with your favourite physical therapist for the afternoon on the day after surgery.