Arthroscopy Of The Knee
Patient Information
Arthroscopic surgery for the knee is a tried and proven technique for dealing with intra articular problems of the knee joint. The surgery is done on a day care basis. You will be advised the day before to what time you are to arrive at the hospital and be ready to leave approximately three to four hours after anaesthetic.
Fasting
Please ensure that you do not eat or drink for at least for 6 hours prior to surgery.
If your surgery is in the morning, you should fast from midnight the night before surgery. You can however take your usual medications (such as Blood Pressure Medications) with sips of water in the morning. Tea, Coffee or Milk are not to be consumed for at least 6 hours prior to surgery.
Crutches
Please bring in two crutches with you on the day of surgery. You may hire them from a pharmacy. You will need crutches for approximately 5-7 days on average.
Anaesthetic
The anaesthetic given is usually a general anaesthetic, therefore for the remainder of the day and night following your procedure it is important that you do not:
- Drive
- Drink alcohol
- Use public transport or taxi without an escort
- Operate machinery
- Make important personal or business decisions
- Sign legal documents
A physiotherapist will see you, to give you some exercises to perform at home prior to your discharge and see that the crutches you have brought into hospital are adjusted correctly and that you can use them safely.
Sutures/Dressings
Mr. Solaiman uses absorbable sutures unless indicated otherwise in which case you will be informed. Your dressings (opsites) are waterproof. You should remove the crepe bandages and valband the day following your surgery. Please leave the opsite (plastic dressing) intact. The plastic dressing is waterproof. You may apply a compression Tubigrip dressing after shower. After 10 days, you can remove the dressings yourself, by your GP, or at your next appointment with Mr. Solaiman.
Please note: It is important to keep your dressing dry at all times.
Follow Up Appointment
An appointment will be made for you to see Mr Solaiman in the rooms at two weeks. The dressings will be taken down and the results of the arthroscopy and any other treatment planned will be discussed with you.
At home Use an ice pack for 30 mins every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days (daytime only).
Post Operative Problems
Depending on the type of surgery and anaesthetic you have received you may or may not experience one or more of the following.
Pain
You may have been prescribed pain relief. Take your medication as instructed for the first 24 hours following your surgery. If you have no pain relief prescribed, you may take Panadol or Panadine as instructed on the packet/bottle.
Nausea
This may occur following anaesthetic and is usually of a short duration. If nausea persists after 24 hours, Please contact your Surgeon, Local GP or staff in Day Surgery.
Dizziness
This is common following a general anaesthetic. Try not to stand up too quickly. Increase your fluid intake.
Sore Throat
If you experience a sore throat it is advisable to have frequent drinks and /or suck on a lozenges.
Difficulty in concentrating
This may be due to the type of anaesthetic you have received and should wear off over the next 24 to 48 hours. It is important you do not drive / operate machinery or sign important legal documents.
Constipation
This may occur following your procedure and usually a direct result of the pain medications. It is advisable that you drink plenty of water.
Please report if any of the following:
- Fever
- Excessive pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive vomiting
If there are any problems in the interim you may contact Mr Solaiman at rooms on 9803 8066 or The Hospital Coordinator where you had your surgery.