Home / Preparing for surgery
Preparing for hip or knee replacement
Good preparation lowers risk and helps recovery. Your hospital will give you its own instructions, which take priority over this general guide.
Your health before surgery
- If you smoke, stopping before surgery lowers the risk of wound and infection problems.
- If you have diabetes, anaemia or high blood pressure, getting them well controlled first reduces complications.
- Treat dental problems and skin infections before the operation.
- Losing weight, if you are overweight, can lower risk, but do not crash diet.
Your GP can help with each of these.
Pre-operative assessment
You will be assessed by a nurse and, if needed, an anaesthetist. This may include blood tests and a heart tracing. Tell the team about every medicine you take. Do not stop blood thinners or diabetes medicines unless you are told to.
Infection screening
You will be screened for MRSA and other bacteria carried on the skin, and treated if positive. [add Mr Brock's decolonisation pathway and local protocol]
Exercises and your home
- Gentle strengthening exercises before surgery can help recovery. [add Mr Brock's prehabilitation advice or physiotherapy leaflet]
- Clear trip hazards, such as loose rugs and cables.
- Set up a place to sit with a firm chair and a footstool.
- Arrange a lift home and someone to help for the first days.
- Stock the freezer and put everyday items at waist height.
What to bring
Your medicines in their boxes, loose comfortable clothes, supportive flat shoes, any walking aids you already use, and your insurer authorisation if you are insured. [confirm hospital checklist]