What should I do before admission?
- You may have a small amount of water (approximately 100mL) before 5am on the day of surgery. (More details will be provided at the pre-admission assessment.)
- Shower before coming to the hospital.
- Remember to remove all hair pins, nail polish and jewellery before admission.
- Stop smoking immediately. Nicotine is known to slow down the healing process. For smoking cessation support, contact the hotline at 6602 2220 to find out more about our smoking cessation clinic.
- Avoid alcohol consumption before your surgery. Alcohol intake may interfere with anaesthesia delivery and will increase your risk of bleeding and complications that can delay healing.
- Your doctor or anaesthetist may advise you to stop taking certain medications and dietary supplements before your surgery.
- On the night before surgery, do not eat anything after midnight.
What will happen during the surgery?
The surgery will be conducted under full body (general) or half body (regional) anaesthesia.
The worn out area of the joint will be removed through carefully measured bone cuts. Implants will then be inserted onto the cut bone surface. The knee will be balanced, stabilised and a good range of motion ensured. The wound will then be closed and dressings applied.
How long will the surgery take?
Depending on your condition, a typical knee replacement surgery lasts about two hours.
You will then be moved to the ward, where you will stay before going home. You may feel some pain, but medication prescribed by your doctor will help control it.
What can I expect immediately after the surgery?
You will be transferred to a recovery area for monitoring until you are fully awake.
Common side effects with anaesthesia include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Headache
An X-ray will be performed before your transfer to the ward.
