Surgery Instructions

Surgery Instructions

Before your knee arthroscopy, you should stop eating 8-12 hours before your surgery to prevent having an interaction with the anesthesia. If you take any medications, you may also need to stop taking certain drugs to prevent an interaction with the anesthesia or excess bleeding during the operation. Your surgeon will advise you whether you need to stop taking any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements in the days leading up to your operation.

After your surgery is complete, you will need to keep your incisions clean and dry. You should avoid bathing or showering for the first 2-5 days after surgery to protect the incisions. Avoid submerging or soaking your leg in baths, pools, or hot tubs for the first 2-3 weeks after surgery to prevent the incisions from re-opening.

Once your surgeon allows the bandages to be removed, avoid scrubbing your knee forcefully and wash around the incisions gently. Use of lotions, creams, and ointments directly to the incisions should also be avoided unless you are given specific instructions by your surgeon. Avoid removing or picking at your stitches or steri-strips or asking someone to help you remove them. Stitches or steri-strips will naturally fall off or should be removed by your healthcare provider only.

Surgery Checklist

It is best to have everything prepared the day before your knee arthroscopy to help make the transition in and out of surgery as smooth as possible. During the days leading up to your surgery, make sure to:

• Stop eating and drinking 8-12 hours before your scheduled surgery
• Stop taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements as advised by your healthcare provider
• Arrange transportation to and from the surgical center
• Pick out clothes that are loose and easy to change in and out of, such as loose-fitting drawstring pants or shorts
• Pack your health insurance card and a form of identification such as your driver’s license or passport to bring with you to the surgical center
• Schedule at least two weeks off from work or school to recover during the initial days after your surgery. More time off up to 6-8 weeks or longer will be needed for physically demanding jobs that require prolonged standing, walking, and bending
• Stock up on bags of ice, cold packs, or bags of frozen vegetables to use to ice your knee to help relieve pain and swelling after surgery
• Complete as many of your daily or weekly tasks ahead of time as you can, such as laundry, cleaning and organizing, and preparing meals