During Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Time of arrival:
Since Knee Arthroscopy is done as a day care procedure, you will be requested to come to the hospital on the day of the surgery at an appropriate time. You will also be required to refrain from eating and drinking (fasting) for 6 hours before the surgery.
Anesthesia:
The choice of Anesthesia is between Spinal and General Anesthesia:
If you will be discharged on the same day of the surgery in the evening, then Spinal Anesthesia cannot be used and hence you will be given General Anesthesia. If you wish to stay overnight then an option of Spinal Anesthesia is given to you. If you have been given Spinal Anesthesia, then you can watch the entire procedure on the television monitor.
Once anesthetized the preparations for the surgery will begin:
Position:
A tourniquet is applied to the thigh and it is inflated during the surgery to avoid internal bleeding during the surgery. The thigh is stationed on a specialized stand in such a way that the Knee is bent at 90 degree & the leg is free to dangle.
Scrubbing:
The affected Knee and lower limb are thoroughly cleaned with betadine scrub and spirit before being draped in sterile fashion.
Surgeon's preparation:
After giving the position, the surgeon scrubs up before wearing sterile gloves and gown.
Painting and Draping:
The Knee is painted and draped in sterile fashion so as to keep the leg free. All the equipment is then mounted on the operation table before beginning the surgery.
Entry into the Knee Joint:
There are two main portals as well as other small portals for different procedures.
A stab incision is made on the outer-side of the Knee for insertion of the Arthroscope and a stab incision made on the inner-side of the Knee for instruments.
The entire procedure performed by Knee Arthroscopy will be recorded once the Arthroscope is introduced into the Knee Joint.
Since there are various different procedures done by Knee Arthroscopy, the time taken for each varies, but the average range for the time of surgery is half an hour to one and a half hour. After discharge you will be given a DVD of the entire procedure conducted on you.
Risks and Complications of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Though the chances of complications are less, but still we can't rule out the possibility of complications.
Let's have a look at the list of the possible complications that might occur after Arthroscopic Knee surgery:
- Infection inside the joint
- Swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Injury or damage to the knee cartilage
- Clotting of the blood
- Surgeon's Preparation
