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Front Desk at Clinic

Day of Surgery 

Day of Surgery: List

Arriving to hospital 

  • When you arrive, you'll be welcomed by a member of staff, who'll explain the processes to you and give you an identity bracelet to wear during your stay in the hospital.

  • You'll be asked to get undressed and change into a hospital gown.

  • Various paperwork and checks will be performed by the nursing staff and junior doctors.

  • You will meet with your surgeon and discuss any questions or queries. 

  • You will be asked to sign a consent form unless you’ve already done this at an earlier appointment, that gives your surgeon permission to carry out the treatment.

  • The joint that will be operated on will be marked with a black arrow.

Anaesthesia

  • You will be evaluated by a member of the anaesthesia team, with your input, will determine which type of anaesthesia will be best for you.

  • The most common type of anaesthesia is general anaesthesia (you are put to sleep) combined with a local anaesthetic injected around your hip joint.

  • The anaesthetist will be by your side the whole time you're asleep, carefully monitoring you, and will be there when you wake up. 

  • You will be given fluids and drugs you need through a tube and a needle in your arm called a drip.

  • Other options include spinal or epidural where you are awake but your body is numb from the waist down.

Surgery

  • The surgical procedure usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. Click here for more details on the procedure. 

  • Your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position the new implant to restore the alignment and function of your hip.

  • After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will remain for several hours until you’re fully awake and your general condition is stable.

  • You will then be taken to your ward.

  • The hospital team will try to get you walking as soon as possible, often on the same day as your operation.

  • Drips and catheter (if required) are usually removed within 24 hours.

Pain management

Medications are prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery, they may include one or more of the following :

  • Painkilling liquids or tablets to swallow

  • Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) – a system where you can control your own supply of painkiller going into a vein by pressing a button

Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy 

  • The physiotherapist will see you on the ward after your operation to help you get moving and advise you on exercise to strengthen your muscles.

  • You will be provided with walking aids and the physio will help you use them safely.

  • Before you leave the hospital, an occupational therapist will assess your physical ability and your situation at home, and they may arrange special equipment for you, such as a raised toilet seat or gadgets to help you dress.

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