Knee Reconstruction

Preparing for Surgery

Once you have decided to have an ACL reconstruction, Dr Kohan and his staff will guide you as you prepare for surgery. You will be given education and guidance to help you prepare. Dr Kohan will order various tests depending on your medical history.

ACL reconstruction is usually done on an outpatient basis. You may be discharged 4 - 6 hours after surgery. If you have any medical concerns that may require you to stay overnight, please notify our office as soon as possible. If you are traveling from out of town and have more than a 2 hour car ride back home, we will keep you overnight at the hospital (still considered outpatient status). You will need someone able to assist you for the first few days at home. If you do not have someone, please notify us as soon as possible, otherwise, your surgery may be postponed until proper arrangements can be made.

Pre-Operation Check List

Please ensure this checklist is complete prior to your surgery.

• Complete hospital admission forms
• Complete consent form
• Completed blood test
• Make an appointment 1week prior surgery to see Dr Kerr, Anaesthetist
• Make an appointment to see Rebecca 10 days post surgery for follow up care.
• Make an appointment to see Dr Kohan 3 weeks post surgery for follow up care.
• Ensure you have organized a physiotherapist for your rehabilitation.
• Medications such as Aspirin, Brufen, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Feldene, etc. should be stopped 7 days before surgery. Consult with Dr Kerr regarding taking your regular medications the morning of surgery. Specifically heart, blood pressure, and diabetic medications. You may take them with a sip of water.

Fasting

Four hours prior to your surgery, drink a glass of water. After this do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to surgery. Be sure that you have completed your pre-admission testing and medical clearance requirements as previously directed. Please read all the information carefully, and completely. If you then still have any questions or concerns, please notify us.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, you arrive at the hospital 2 - 3 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Call the hospital (9650 4000) the day before surgery for your arrival time. A physiotherapist will come and see you, to measure you for crutches. The physiotherapist will also provide you with education on how to use the crutches. Operation time can be adjusted on your operating date for various reasons, and one of the staff will inform you if there has been a change in time.