MORTON'S NEUROMA REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of Morton's neuroma, a small benign tumor in the nerve that serves the toes. Its cause is unknown and it produces severe pain.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--A small tumor between the 2nd and 3rd toes or the 3rd and 4th toes. It may occur in either or both feet.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Relief of pain caused by the neuroma.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Orthopedist, podiatrist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility, doctor's office or emergency room.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of the foot.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A tourniquet is wrapped around the leg to prevent the surgical area from bleeding.
• The neuroma is located, cut free from surrounding tissue and removed.
• The skin is closed with sutures, which usually can be removed about 10 to 14 days after surgery. The tourniquet is removed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Numbness in toes due to cut nerve (less bothersome for most patients than the previous pain).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Between baths, keep the wound dry with a bandage for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. If a bandage gets wet, change it promptly. Apply non--

prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.

• Keep the foot elevated as much as possible during recovery.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 1 week after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.