BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 22

Before coming to hospital

There is some evidence that less bleeding may occur during
surgery which would reduce your risk of needing a blood
transfusion or developing blood clots.
You remain in full control of your breathing. Your breathing should
be better in the first few hours after the operation, so you have a
lower chance of developing a chest infection. You should have less
sickness and drowsiness after the operation and may be able to
eat, drink and walk sooner.
Risks
Common side-effects (less than 1 in 100) include headache, dizziness,
bladder problems, aches and pains and bruising/ soreness.
Uncommon side-effects (less than 1 in 1000) include itching and
existing medical conditions getting worse.
Rare side effects (less than 1 in 10,000+) include serious drug
allergy, nerve damage, equipment failure, heart attack, stroke or
death.

Surgical infiltration
Local anaesthetic is injected in and around the joint by the surgeon
at the time your new joint is going is being replaced. It is typically
combined with spinal or general anaesthesia.
Advantages
Provides good pain relief immediately following surgery. Reduces
the need for strong painkiller injections like morphine and therefore
reduces side effects like nausea and vomiting. It also allows early
mobilisation and physiotherapy.
Risks
May not provide adequate pain relief and hence may need to be
combined with morphine injection.

20