BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 38

In hospital

Where do I go before surgery?
You will have been advised of the date of your surgery by letter
from the surgical booking office. You will need to report to the
Surgical Admission Unit. Please ask at the main reception of the
hospital if you are unsure of how to get there.

The operation itself
Getting ready for theatre
Before surgery you will be given a gown and fitted with an elastic
stocking on your non-operative leg to help prevent blood clots.
Your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate will be checked.
All your belongings will be taken directly to the ward where you will
recover after surgery.
You will be visited by the surgeon and anaesthetist. The surgeon
will check your leg, and mark with a marker pen to highlight the
side for operation. A full explanation of the surgery and risks will be
discussed with you before you sign the consent form. You will also
need to give consent for anaesthesia and blood transfusion. You
are also likely to have a drip placed in your arm.

In the operating room
You will be taken to the operating room, an anaesthetist and the
anaesthetic team, several nurses, the surgeon and their surgical
teams will be present.
Once in the operating room you will receive an anaesthetic as
previously discussed with you by your anaesthetist.

In recovery
Following your operation, you will be transferred to the recovery
room. Nursing staff will check on you frequently to make sure you
are safe and comfortable.
You may have:
• Foot pumps attached to your feet
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