Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon
Mr Nick Savva is highly experienced in performing bunion removal surgery. We spoke to Charlote Chandler, one of Mr Savva’s satisfied patients, about her experience of bunion removal surgery at The Winterbourne Hospital.
Charlotte's story
Having suffered from a painful bunion for about three years, I realised it was time to take action and seek treatment. However, I was very worried about the procedure, recovery and healing process, as I suffer from chronic lymphoedema in my legs following cancer treatment.
Mr Nick Savva was extremely helpful and calm. He explained the procedure options and risks, particularly in relation to postoperative healing and the threat of infection. Nick decided that a standard bunion operation performed minimally invasively would be the most effective and safest form of treatment
for me.
Following the successful operation, I did exactly as I was told to help the healing process. For the next three weeks, I kept my foot elevated as much as possible – about 50 out of every 60 minutes. Although this felt tedious and frustrating, it was worth it, as the wound healed well and without infection.
My foot is now looking and feeling much more comfortable and I am very much looking forward to being able to wear glamorous shoes again!
Mr Savva’s Perspective
I met Charlotte Chandler in my clinic in February 2021. She had a classic case of bunions, also called hallux valgus. She had had the lump removed in a procedure called a bunionectomy in London seven years before, but unfortunately, the lump had returned.
Charlotte was a suitable candidate for surgery in every respect except for one. She suffered from chronic lymphoedema in both legs as a complication of a previous illness, putting her at risk of swelling following bunion removal surgery. This can result in pain, leaky wounds and – if you are unlucky – infection.
I was concerned for Charlotte both because her feet were permanently swollen and also because she had had a previous operation. However, the operation went well. Charlotte had surgery at The Winterbourne Hospital at the end of March 2021. By mid-May, she was back in her normal footwear and progressing well.
In my clinic, we insist on elevation of the foot for 50 minutes every hour for at least two weeks after surgery. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Because of this, most of my patients do not need painkillers and our infection rate is as low as 1%. As you can see from Charlotte’s story, this method can be very successful even in complex cases.