Hip and Knee Replacement

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ABOUT THE ANAESTHETIC

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In most cases, you will be given a full general anaesthetic. You will also receive local anaesthetic injection around your joint while you are anaesthetised to manage your pain when the surgery is completed.

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Usually a few weeks before the operation, the hospital will contact you to organise for you to come to hospital for the Pre-Admission Clinic. You will be seen by a nurse, a physiotherapist, a Case Manager and myself.

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When you come in for the Pre-Admission Clinic, please bring the following:

• A list of medications if you take any.

• If you see a cardiologist or respiratory physician, any letters or tests results that you might have and the doctor's contact details.

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On the day of your procedure, I will speak with you again. You will have a cannula placed in your vein, either in the back of your hand or arm. 

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You will receive a number of medications to achieve full anaesthesia and pain relief. You will be anaesthetised for two to three hours. During the procedure, you will fully monitored. I will be by your side for the whole procedure to ensure that you are safe and anaesthetised.

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At the end of the procedure, you will wake up and recover with a specialist recovery nurse by your side. I will endeavour to ensure that you are as pain-free as possible at the end of the operation. This is not always easy to achieve. Some of the anaesthetic drugs provide some pain relief, but need to be stopped at the end of the anaesthetic so that you regain consciousness.

 

When you are comfortable, you will be transferred to the ward. I will continue to look after you for your duration of your stay. You will continue to receive pain medications on the ward allowing you to rest and commence your physiotherapy. These medications will be given to you regularly and as requested by you.

 

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

 

It is important that you speak to your specialist about what you need to bring to the hospital such as Xrays and scans. The hospital will contact you the day before the procedure with times of admission and fasting. It is very important that you follow these instructions.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW

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You will need to contact me if you:

 

• Have any significant medical issues. (Heart Disease, Breathing Problems, Diabetes, Stroke, etc)

• Or anyone in your family had problems with anaesthetic. 

• Have abnormal reactions or allergies to medications.

• Take any medications that you are concerned about.

• Have any questions at all.

• Need a quote for the anaesthetic.