Surgery
Preoperative Instructions
Upon scheduling surgery, you will be a given an H&P (history and physical) appointment. This appointment consists of answering any questions that you might have regarding your surgical procedure, as well as reviewing your medical history. Should this appointment not be kept, it may result in the cancellation/rescheduling of your surgery. All preoperative blood work and/or clearance must be completed before this appointment in order for my office to obtain the information in a timely manner. You will also be given a prescription for pain medication and an antibiotic. These medications are for after surgery only. You will begin taking the antibiotic the day of surgery until they are gone. You may begin taking your pain medication the day of surgery as needed.
You will also be given a tentative arrival time for the date of your procedure. THIS TIME IS TENTATIVE. This time is subject to change due to health conditions of other patients having procedures that day and emergencies that cannot be predicted. Our office will obtain a phone number so that we may reach you the day before surgery to confirm or change your time, if needed. You must have someone available to bring you and take you home from the facility. Buses and cabs for transportation home are not allowed due to anesthesia.
You cannot have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before your scheduled time of surgery. This includes coffee, water, gum, hard candy, milk, juice, or food and drink of any kind. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of your surgery.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at 702-731-1616 during office hours or our cell phone at 702-471-8779 after hours.
Postoperative Instructions
After surgery, you may require the use of a cold therapy system. This system will be delivered to you and is requested through our office. The system is to be worn as often as possible after surgery to reduce swelling and assist with discomfort. Should any problems arise with the unit, please call our office.
Depending on the type of procedure, you will have a dressing or a splint. This dressing/splint is not to get wet at any time. Should you get your dressing or splint wet, please call Kareem at 702-471-8779. Commercially available cast protectors for showering/swimming are available at www.feetmd.com and clicking the “Online Store” button and then the “fractures, broken bones” tab. Alternatively, Kareem has these for sale in the office. Please, do not use any object to itch your skin under your dressing/splint. This may cause a wound that could become infected. To itch your leg, lightly tap the splint over the area. This dressing/splint will be changed at your 1-2 week appointment after surgery. This amount of time is necessary to allow your incision to heal.
Should you need a medication refill, please have your pharmacy fax us a request, or you may call 702-471-8779 and leave your name, date of birth, medication, and your pharmacy phone number and we will notify your pharmacy.
After office hours, should you require emergency treatment, please proceed to the nearest emergency room. If the problem requires Dr. Watson to intervene, please be advised that he is only available at St. Rose Siena Hospital in Henderson (616-5000).
In Case of Emergency
After office hours, should you require emergency treatment, please proceed to the nearest emergency room. If the problem requires Dr. Watson to intervene, please be advised that he is only available at St. Rose Siena Hospital in Henderson (616-5000).