WHERE DOES DR. DESAI PERFORM SURGERY?
Surgery is performed at two different locations:
Centric Health Surgical Centre - Ankle arthroscopy, simple forefoot procedures, hardware removals, tumour excisions, etc.
Note: All follow-up appointments will take place at Humber River Hospital
Humber River Hospital - Complex procedures, fusions, ankle replacements, fractures, etc.
WILL I HAVE TO STAY OVERNIGHT IN HOSPITAL AFTER SURGERY?
No. All of Dr. Desai’s surgeries are done as day surgery. You will return home approximately 2 hours after the operation.
Dr. Desai’s surgeries are partially done with a local block performed by the Anesthesiologist. This means that your leg will be frozen following surgery for 12-24 hours which allows for great pain control after surgery.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL I BE GETTING FOR SURGERY?
You will meet with the Anesthesiologist prior to surgery. They will discuss the various options including local anesthetic (injection to freeze the leg), spinal anesthetic or general anesthetic. This will be determined the day of the operation based on the type of surgery, length of surgery and your general health.
HOW DO I MANAGE THE WOUND/INCISION AFTER SURGERY?
The surgical incision has been closed with sutures or staples. Do not get the wound wet for the first two weeks. When showering place a bag over the ankle and secure with tape to your leg.
If you have a dressing/wrap, do not remove the dressing yourself, Dr. Desai will remove the dressing at your 2 week appointment.
The sutures or staples will be removed at your 2 week appointment. After the sutures or staples are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days. Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 4 weeks. Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET THE CAST WET BY MISTAKE?
If the entire cast gets soaked the surgical wound may be affected. Please call the Fracture Clinic (416) 242-1000 ext. 23005 and make an appointment to see Dr. Desai to take a look at the incision.
CAN I GET A REFILL ON MY PAIN MEDICATIONS AFTER SURGERY?
Dr. Desai does not send refills for narcotic medications under any circumstances. Dr. Desai will give you the appropriate amount of narcotics for your operation. Once these are complete we recommend using extra-strength Tylenol or seeing your family physician.
WHAT SYMPTOMS ARE NORMAL AFTER SURGERY?
It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery. Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain. Swelling often remains for 6-9 months depending on the nature of your surgery.
WHEN CAN I START DRIVING AFTER SURGERY?
After having right foot or ankle surgery you cannot drive for at least 6 weeks. For left foot or ankle surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive.
Narcotics can impair your ability to drive. Avoid driving a motor vehicle or operating dangerous machinery even when taking low doses of narcotics.
HOW SOON CAN I FLY AFTER SURGERY?
Flying too soon after surgery increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs (Deep Venous Thrombosis - DVT) and the risk of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) which can be life threatening.
There are no generally accepted guidelines when to fly after surgery. Dr. Desai recommends waiting 6 weeks after toe surgery and 3 months for any other procedure.
HOW DO I GET COPIES OF MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
Dr. Desai’s office does not provide medical records. Humber River Hospital allows you to access your own medical records including consultation notes, follow up notes and imaging reports. Medical Records Department can be reached at (416) 242-1000 ext. 82300. You may also access your records at https://myhumberhealth.ca/ (if you do not have an account click on “sign up”).
WHAT IF I NEED FORMS SIGNED AT WORK?
Please fax all forms to Dr. Desai’s office at (416) 352-0099 or drop them off at the office at 3695 Keele Street, 2nd Floor.
The forms take ONE WEEK to complete. There are charges for filling out forms. Please do not call the office for forms, the office will contact you when they are ready for pick up.
HOW ARE RETURN TO WORK RESTRICTIONS DETERMINED? WHAT IF I HAVE A HEAVY LABOUR JOB?
Dr. Desai will create limitations for what you can and cannot do postoperatively. These limitations are based on the nature of the surgery, the type of cast or immobilization, and the safety of performing particular work.
In any foot and ankle operation, Dr. Desai recommends 2 weeks off fully to recover from the anesthetic, narcotics, acute pain after surgery, etc. After the first two weeks, all foot and ankle patients are able to sit at a desk to perform seated sedentary duties. This includes no walking, standing, etc. These are standard restrictions with all foot and ankle patients. Based on these restrictions, it is up to the employer to accommodate these limitations. If these limitations cannot be met by your employer than you cannot work and must remain off until full duties are possible. Dr. Desai will not provide a note suggesting you cannot work for 6-8 weeks. In all cases the note will recommend modified duties.