BEFORE SURGERY
Hip and knee replacement
If you are having a hip or knee replacement, I will review your health and plan your anaesthetic with you before your surgery. The information below explains what to expect and how to prepare for your pre-operative assessment.
Further information
ANZCA provides additional information about anaesthesia and pain management for joint replacement surgery.
Read ANZCA: Anaesthesia for joint replacement surgery (PDF) →
Preparing for your anaesthetic
01
Complete your questionnaire
Complete the pre-operative questionnaire before your assessment so I can review your medical history and medications in advance.
02
Prepare for your assessment
Please have an up-to-date list of your medications, including doses, and the names and contact details of any specialists involved in your care available.
03
Your pre-operative assessment
I will conduct a pre-operative assessment with you approximately one to two weeks before your operation. This may take place in person or over the phone.
Your anaesthetic
Your anaesthetic and pain management will differ slightly depending on whether you are having a knee or hip replacement. I will discuss the plan with you during your pre-operative assessment.
Knee replacement
Before your general anaesthetic, I will usually perform an adductor canal block. This involves an injection of local anaesthetic around nerves in the thigh to help with pain relief after your operation.
You will then have a general anaesthetic for the procedure. Your surgeon will also inject local anaesthetic around the surgical area during the operation to provide additional pain relief.
Hip replacement
You will usually have a general anaesthetic for your hip replacement.
Your surgeon will also inject local anaesthetic around the surgical area during the operation to help with pain relief afterwards.