Total Knee Arthroplasty is now a common method of treatment and with the innovative techniques which have evolved over time, there has been changes in the choices of anesthesia used for the joint replacement surgery. While analgesia and anesthesia have significant impact on the outcome of the surgery, making the right choice for using anesthesia could also have a significant impact on the time of recovery. While doctors will discuss at length with the patient, the impact of using different types of anesthesia, the factors that should be considered when administering analgesia or anesthesia can be outlined as follows.
- Your present physical condition and health – Any Orthopedic specialist will first assess the present physical condition and health of the patient, inquiring about whether the patient is overweight, has been treated for any other condition or whether he has been smoking or not.
- Preference and past experience – Inquiries will also be made on whether there is any past experience on using anesthesia and if there were any reactions or not. Opinions of other family members will also be taken into consideration.
- The risks involved – Taking into consideration the factors like type of anesthesia, present health condition, nerve injury, allergic reactions and breathing problems, Dr Chirag Patel in consultation with the anesthesiologist will consider the specific risks that may be involved.
- Reactions to different medications – A study will be made on the reactions to medications and nutritional supplements that is being currently experienced.
Taking these factors into consideration, the choice of anesthesia has to be made. The types of anesthesia generally used in total hip and knee surgery, include;
- General Anesthesia – General anesthesia is administered either through inhalation or injection.
- Local Anesthesia – This type of anesthesia involves making the specific area numb with the use of an ointment or spray.
- Regional Anesthesia – While the above two types of anesthesia are not commonly used for total hip or knee replacement, regional anesthesia is the most preferred type in such cases. This type include
- Epidural Block
- Spinal Block
- Peripheral Nerve Block
Advantages of using regional anesthesia include, less loss of blood, less drowsiness, less nausea and improved control of pain after surgery.
Best doctor for hip and knee in Surat, Dr. Chirag Patel is always available for consultation before the surgery, which can help you to make an informed decision regarding the choice of anesthesia during a total hip or knee surgery.