Preparing for Surgery

Once you have decided to have unicompartmental surgery, Dr Kohan and his staff will guide you as you prepare for surgery. You will be given education and guidance to help you prepare. Dr Kohan will order various tests depending on your medical history.

Pre-operative Check List

Pre-operative Examinations:

• Weight bearing x-ray
• ECG and chest x-ray (will be done in hospital)
• Blood test
• Completed hospital forms
• Sign consent form

You must make an appointment:

• 1 week prior to surgery to see Dr Kerr for an anaesthetic consult.
• 1 week post-operation to see Rebecca for post-operative care.
• 3 weeks post-operation to see Dr Kohan for follow-up.

Because the procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, you may be discharged 4 - 6 hours after surgery. If you have medical concerns that may require you to stay overnight, please notify our office as soon as possible.

If you are traveling from out of town and have more than a 2 hour car ride back to your home, we will keep you overnight at the hospital. (Still considered outpatient status).

You will need someone able to assist you for the first few days at home. (If you do not have anyone, please notify us as soon as possible). Otherwise, your surgery may be postponed until proper arrangements can be made.

Stop taking your non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) medication, such as Aspirin, Brufen, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Feldene, etc. 7 days prior to surgery. Consult with Dr Kerr regarding the taking of regular medications the morning of surgery. Specifically heart, blood pressure, and diabetic medication. You may take them with a small sip of water.

Fasting

Four hours prior to your surgery drink a glass of water. After this point do not eat or drink, i.e. do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to surgery. Be sure that you have completed your pre-admission testing and medical clearance requirements as previously directed. Read all information carefully and completely. If you then still have any questions, please notify us.

Surgical Experience

On the day of your operation, you will be expected to arrive at the hospital 2 - 3 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Call the hospital (9650 4000) the day before your surgery for your arrival time. In hospital a physiotherapist will come and see you, to measure you for crutches or a cane. The physiotherapist will also provide you with education on how to use these aids. The operation time can be adjusted on your operating day for various reasons, one of the staff will inform you if there has been a change in time. We recommend that you wear loose fitting slacks (or shorts in the warmer weather) to the hospital, so that they will fit over your knee immobilizer.

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