Types of anaesthesia 

• • Your anaesthetist will discuss the different types of anaesthesia with you. These include: 

  General anaesthesia (GA) 

  • Anaesthetic drugs may be injected into a vein through the cannula or by breathing anaesthetic gases and oxygen through a mask once you are unconscious, the anaesthetist stays with you at all times and continues to give you medicine to keep you sleep as soon as the operation is finished, the medicines will be stopped or reversed so that you can regain consciousness after the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room where a member of staff will be with you at all times. When they are satisfied that you have recovered safely from your anaesthetic you will be taken back to the ward.

• Spinal anaesthesia
  • anaesthetic drug will be given through a needle in your back which will make your legs numb you will be offered to have a drug to be unconscious through the procedure (sedation)
  • you may briefly wake up during the noisy parts of the procedure after the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room where a member of staff will be with you at all times. When they are satisfied that you have recovered safely from your anaesthetic you will be taken back to the ward.

• Combination of general and spinal anaesthesia

  • You may have a combination of the above two types of anaesthesia.

• Anaesthetists

Anaesthetists are doctors with specialist training who –

• are responsible for giving your anaesthetic and for your wellbeing and safety throughout your surgery
• discuss types of anaesthesia with you and find out what you would like, help you make choices 
• discuss the risk of anaesthesia with you
• agree a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control
• manage any blood transfusions you may need
• plan your care, if needed, in the intensive case unit
• make your experience as calm and pain free as possible

• Pace yourself and take regular break between activities
• Change position every 20 minutes or so to stop your joint getting stiff
• After surgery, practise your exercises everyday, 10 reps, at least 3 times a day, within limits of pain
• Continue to take pain medications as prescribed
• Pain and swelling can be related to over-activity
• Continue to take blood thinning medication as prescribed
• You must keep your wound clean and dry until it has fully healed
• You will have an appointment to see your surgeon at 6-8 weeks

Returning to normal life

• You may start driving after 4-6 weeks, once your pain is under control and you're off strong pain medications
• You are advised to check with your insurance provider before you start driving
• You may return to work once your pain is under control and off strong pain medications, usually 6-8 weeks. You may have to plan how you can get to work in the early stages. It is recommended that you have a phased return to work.
• You may travel but make sure you can move your joint regularly.
• You must not travel by air for first six weeks and if the flight is for more than four hours, avoid the journey for three months after surgery

Warning Signs

Please contact your local emergency department, surgeon or your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms:
fever
increasing redness or oozing from your wound
increase in pain that does not respond to your medication
pain or swelling of your calf that is not relieved by elevation
trouble breathing or shortness of breath

For specific information refer to individual procedures.