Preparation for Surgery
How can you prepare for your surgery and recovery?
There are several things you can do to prepare yourself for surgery and your recovery at home - these are outlined below. If you need further information, please contact us.
Weight loss
People with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have an increased risk of developing serious problems both during and after surgery. These problems include infection, delayed wound healing, increased pain, and increased risk of needing further surgery on the joint. The operation is often more difficult, and it may take longer to get back on your feet and return home.
For people with a BMI of 40 or over, the risks increase further. Your surgery may need to be delayed until your BMI is below 40.
If you are keen to lose weight before your surgery, please speak to your pre-assessment nurse or GP for advice and to find out what services are available.
Stopping smoking
Smoking has been shown to delay wound healing and increase complications after surgery. Patients who stop smoking benefit from long term improvements to their general health, decrease the risks associated with the operation, and have better outcomes from surgery.
If you are keen to stop smoking before your surgery, please speak to your pre-assessment nurse or GP for advice and to find out what services are available.
Please note, we are a non-smoking Trust
Education
Patient videos
There are several short videos produced by the orthopaedic therapy team. You can watch these videos before surgery to familiarise yourself with the exercises.
Total knee replacement
Unicompartmental knee replacement
Total hip replacement
Knee arthroscopy
What to bring into hospital for day case surgery:
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information booklet and admissions letter,
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walking sticks or crutches if you use them (labelled with your name),
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mobile phone and charger,
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items to keep you occupied such as a book, magazine, puzzle book or tablet,
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glasses and/or hearing aids if you use these and cases (labelled with your name),
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clothes that are easy to put on and not too restrictive, especially around the affected joint. Consider bringing supportive footwear if you are having knee surgery.
What to bring into hospital when planning to stay at least one night:
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information booklet and admissions letter,
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all current medications in the original boxes,
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walking sticks or crutches if you use them (labelled with your name),
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long handled shoehorn if you have one (labelled with your name),
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toiletries including flannels and towels (not white as these can end up mistakenly being put in hospital laundry),
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slippers or shoes that are loose fitting (to allow for foot swelling if you are having hip or knee surgery), with a back and no laces,
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day clothes and night clothes that are easy to put on and not too restrictive, especially around the affected joint. If you are having knee surgery please bring shorts, skirts, or loose trousers that can be rolled up to allow access to your knee throughout the day,
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mobile phone and charger,
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items to keep you occupied such as a book, magazine, puzzle book or tablet,
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glasses and/or hearing aids if you use these and cases (labelled with your name).
Whatever surgery you are having, please do not bring:
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unnecessary jewellery
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large sums of money
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laptop computers
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any other valuables
Home set up:
Seating
After any orthopaedic surgery, either to your upper or lower limb, standing up from a low seat is often more difficult. You can review your main seating i.e., dining chair and armchair/sofa. If they are low, you may wish to add cushions or raise them with folded blankets. Alternatively, you may have other furniture you could use or borrow from family and friends for the duration of your recovery.
Avoiding falls
It will be easier to move around your home with walking aids if loose rugs are removed and items are moved to allow a clear pathway around your home.
Footwear
Please consider your footwear after hip or knee surgery. It will be easier to walk with supportive slip-on shoes with backs, as you may not be able to reach down to fasten shoes. Allow space in case your foot and ankle swell a little.
Kitchen
After your surgery you may not be able to reach into high or low cupboards while you are recovering. Before you come into hospital it can be helpful to place everyday items at an accessible height. You may also wish to place a stool or chair in the kitchen so you can sit down while you prepare food and drinks. Some people also choose to sit at the kitchen counter to eat as it can be difficult carrying food while using a walking frame or two elbow crutches. You may not be able to prepare meals easily after your surgery, so you may wish to make some meals in advance, or buy prepared meals.
Assistance at home once you are discharged.
Before you leave hospital, we will make sure you can get to the bathroom safely, get in and out of bed, and will talk through managing daily activities during your recovery at home. It is important you think ahead and ensure you have a plan for when you are discharged, including adequate support. Some patients will manage at home alone, others may need someone to assist them with certain tasks. If you think you might need some additional help, you could ask a friend/family member to visit you daily or stay with you on discharge. Alternatively, you may need to consider whether you want to organise private care. It is highly unlikely you will be provided a hospital funded package of care after elective (planned) surgery. The occupational therapy team can provide you with care agency phone numbers if needed. They can be contacted by telephone on 0300 019 4856.
Housework
Many patients will be unable to manage housework such as cleaning, vacuuming and laundry when first discharged from hospital. You should make plans for friends or family to assist you.
Shopping
It is unlikely you will be able to do shopping yourself when you are discharged from hospital. You should consider whether there is someone who can help you with it, or alternatively you could order shopping online.
Medication
Please ensure you have an adequate supply of your regular medications for the duration of your hospital stay and for your recovery period afterwards.
