Monday, 30 May 2016Even before your surgery, there are several steps you can take to help ensure its success. Some of these things you'll need to do on your own, while others will take place at the surgical facility.
- You will be asked to sign an "Informed Consent" form prior to the procedure. This is your written acknowledgement that you understand the surgery to be performed, along with the possible benefits and risks, and have given your permission to proceed.
- Depending on your past medical history and the nature of the proposed arthroscopic surgery, certain laboratory tests may be requested prior to surgery.
- Discuss the medications or herbal supplements you are taking, as it may be necessary to alter these prior to the time of surgery. Also, please alert your surgeon to any known allergies.
- Your surgeon will usually recommend that you stop all anti-flammatory or anti-coagulant medications prior to surgery.
- Keep the skin over the knee clean and avoid bruising, sunburn, poison ivy, cuts, abrasions, infections and other traumas to the area.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if the procedure is being done as an outpatient.
- Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery unless specifically instructed by the physician or anesthesiologist.
- Wear loose, baggy clothing that will fit over your knee dressing.
- Plan to arrive well in advance of the scheduled time of the procedure. This is usually arranged by the surgical facility.