Day of Surgery

Your Pre-Operative Visit

Every patient has an educational pre-operative visit before surgery. During this visit, you will meet with Rita and Lisa, who will:

Review your surgical plan exactly as discussed with Dr. Haupt
Re-explain all details, from post-operative goals to where your prescriptions will be sent
Confirm practical items such as your shoe size for dressings or immobilization
Answer any remaining questions

You will also meet with the anesthesia team and complete necessary medical clearance. This day is an essential part of ensuring the safest, most optimized surgical experience possible.

1. Arrival

Please arrive at the Mayo Building at the time provided by your surgical scheduler.
This is typically 2 hours before your procedure.
Check in at the patient registration desk.
Bring a photo ID and the items discussed during your pre-op visit.

2. Preoperative Area

After check-in, you will be brought to the 4th Floor preoperative holding area.
Here you will:
- Meet your pre-op nurses
- Review your health history
- Change into a gown
- Have vitals taken
- Review medications and allergies
Your nurses will help prepare you for surgery and answer any remaining questions.

3. Meet Your Team

Dr. Haupt

Before surgery, Dr. Haupt will meet with you briefly to review the plan and answer any last-minute questions.

Anesthesia Team

They will explain your anesthesia plan, including the regional nerve block that keeps your foot or ankle numb for surgery and early recovery.

Most of Dr. Haupt’s procedures are same-day surgeries performed with regional anesthesia, meaning:

The foot/ankle is numb
You will not feel surgical pain during the procedure
General anesthesia may be added if needed

4. After Surgery – Recovery

You will spend time in the recovery area until you are awake, comfortable, and ready to go home.
You will receive:
- Written postoperative instructions
- Pain medication guidance
- Dressing care information
- Equipment (boot, splint, crutches) provided before the surgery day
- Your follow-up appointment schedule
A responsible adult must drive you home.

Frequently Asked Qeustions

Can I eat the day of surgery?

If you’re receiving anesthesia for your surgery- don’t eat after midnight the night before.

Will I receive a regional block?

Almost all of Dr. Haupt’s surgeries are outpatient (same day surgery) performed with regional anesthesia. This means your foot or ankle will be numb so you will no surgical pain on the day of surgery.

What do I bring to surgery?

Lisa will discuss this with you in detail at your preoperative visit. If you will have a boot or shoe, you will get this before surgery. You will get crutches or other mobility aids you might need BEFORE the surgery day.