If you are going to have knee arthroscopic surgery you will be required to prepare for the anaesthetic and surgery, including stopping smoking (if applicable), and doing some physiotherapy to get the knee to the maximum condition prior to surgery and therefore increasing your chances of a satisfactory outcome.

What to expect on the day of surgery

You will be admitted on the day of the surgery for day surgery, if appropriate.

It is usual for the procedure to take place under a general anaesthetic (not so commonly a spinal anaesthesia). You will be unable to drive for 24 hours after general anaesthesia.

When you awake from the anaesthetic it is common that there is only very mild pain, due to the infiltration of local anaesthetic into the knee joint during surgery.

You may experience some discomfort in the thigh. This is due to the tourniquet that is used to stop bleeding during the procedure.

You will be encouraged and allowed to weight bear (depending on the surgery), and you may need crutches or walking stick. However, most of the time after a “clean-up” operation, patients do not use any walking aids.

Swelling and stiffness can persist for few weeks. You are required to do physiotherapy, and to take analgesics for the pain and discomfort. The application of ice and elevation can be of some help with the swelling.

Occasionally some complications can occur post-operatively. These require immediate medical attention, so if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, such as:

• temperature or chills
• persistent bleeding from the incisions
• severe pain not responding to the analgesics prescribed
• if you will feel unwell ,nauseous or vomiting
• any sign of infection at the portal sites
• any other concerns regarding your surgery

You will need to report to your nearest hospital emergency department or contact Mr Dayananda’s rooms.