Before heading into a serious procedure like an ACL reconstruction surgery you may be wondering about what's going to happen on the day. This wondering can fill you with anxiety or fear about the unknown, so in this post we will look at:
- What exactly is ACL reconstruction surgery
- What's going to happen before you get to the hospital
- Everything that happens on the day of surgery
Knowing these details allows you to be prepared and organised which can help calm your nerves and even increase the chances of a successful and safe surgery.
So, let's begin.....
What is ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery is a medical procedure performed by a orthopaedic surgeon. The aim of the surgery is to replace the torn or ruptured ligament in your injured knee with a new graft ligament taken from your Hamstring, Patella tendon or either a Donor Graft, helping restore the patient's knee to a pre-injury status.
Things you need to know before Surgery
Fasting before Surgery
- After your final consultations with your surgeon, he/she will inform you of various things you need to do before surgery and fasting is one of them.
- Fasting is a process of restriction or prevention of any food or water for a specific time period, in this case 12 or more hours before Surgery.
- When you go under general anaesthesia the muscles in your airways and digestive tract relax, these muscles help stop food from leaving your stomach and spilling into your lungs. Fasting before surgery helps prevent this from happening.
Prepare for an Overnight Stay
- Now each surgeon and hospital are different, but generally after your ACL surgery you can expect to be staying overnight.
- The reason your surgeon would like you to stay overnight is simply, to keep a close eye on your recovery and to check your vitals like your blood pressure, which could be effected due to the traumatic stress your body has just been put through.
- Packing an overnight bag filled with spare shoes and clothes is best practice. Packing a pair of shorts for when you leave the hospital could make life easier, instead of trying to put pants on over a knee brace.
Arrive on Time
- On the morning of your surgery you will need to arrive at the hospital at a certain time, so you can check-in.
- Make sure you ARRIVE ON TIME. For most patients this isn't a problem but some do arrive late to their check-in time, which could lead to a situation like the rescheduling of your surgery.
- The easiest way to avoid this would be to plan your route beforehand and leave your house even earlier than planned, in case of any surprises along the way.
Endless Paperwork
- Once you arrive at the hospital you will be asked for your signature over and over again, beginning first in the administration office all the way to right before your surgery.
- These pieces of paperwork are simply personal information, hospital insurance and consent forms. These forms are standard practice for any major procedure like this but should be read carefully before signing.
Speak to your Surgeon before the procedure
- You have now changed from your normal clothing into a hospital gown and have been wheeled off to a pre-surgery room, where you will meet your surgeon before heading through the double doors into the operating theatre.
- Your surgeon will come out to talk to you and most likely give you a quick run through about what's going to happen. It's at this point where any lingering questions about the procedure should be asked.
- If any pre-surgery nerves are arising then your surgeon can quickly squash them by answering your questions.
Now that you've finished reading what are your thoughts about the information,
- Did you find it helpful?
- Have you ever experienced these before surgery?
- Do you have any other inside tips or tricks before surgery?
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