Preparing for Your Private Hip Replacement Surgery: A Consultant-Led Guide
Choosing private hip replacement surgery gives you control from avoiding NHS wait times to selecting your consultant and receiving tailored support throughout your journey. But even with expert care, how you prepare can influence your surgical outcome and recovery.
Here’s a step-by-step guide from our orthopaedic team to help you get ready for your operation.
Your Pre-Assessment Appointment
You’ll be invited to attend a pre-operative assessment, usually 2 to 3 weeks before surgery.
At this appointment:
- A nurse or clinician will record your health history, allergies, and past surgeries
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be checked
- You may undergo blood tests, ECG, or imaging if required
- Your medication list will be reviewed for any changes needed
- Your anaesthetic options (spinal or general) will be explained
This is also your time to ask questions, including implant type, post-op physiotherapy, or expected timelines for recovery.
Medication Adjustments and Fasting Rules
Fasting before surgery:
Unless advised otherwise, you must stop eating solid food from midnight the night before surgery. You may be allowed clear fluids up to a few hours beforehand. This will be clearly explained at your pre-assessment.
Medications to pause:
Your anaesthetist will advise whether to temporarily stop:
- Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Diabetes medication or insulin
- Herbal supplements or anti-inflammatories
Please do not stop or change any medication without medical advice.
Getting Your Home Ready for Recovery
Mobility will be reduced for a short time after surgery. Preparing your living space in advance can help minimise discomfort and prevent falls.
We recommend:
- Removing tripping hazards like rugs or low furniture
- Raising chair heights to protect your new hip joint
- Using a grabber or long-handled aid to avoid bending
- Keeping items like water, medication, phone and remote within arm’s reach
- Preparing meals in advance or arranging support with cooking and cleaning
Planning how to get to and from the hospital safely
Final Details Before Surgery
Closer to your surgery date, your consultant’s team will confirm:
- Admission time and hospital location
- Type of anaesthesia to be used
- Your hospital stay plan – most patients stay 1 to 2 nights
- Whether you’ll require mobility aids (e.g., walking sticks or crutches)
- Exercise guidance to strengthen muscles pre-op (prehab)
You’ll also receive a hospital checklist, consent forms, and written pre-op advice.
What Should I Bring?
For a comfortable stay:
- Loose, breathable clothing for post-op movement
- Your hospital documents and ID
- A small bag with essentials: toothbrush, reading glasses, phone charger
- Non-slip footwear for safe walking during recovery
Why Choose Our Hip Replacement Treatment?
We understand the urgency of your needs, and we commit to providing direct access to advanced treatments without any waiting lists.
Meet Our Surgeon
Dr. Hazem Hassouna
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist in Hip and Knee Surgery | GMC Registered (No. 6070956)
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Hazem Hassouna specialises in hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, and complex lower limb procedures. He is known for his precision, advanced training, and a patient-first approach to orthopaedic care.
Consultant Insight
This article was written by the Transform Medical team, based on real questions we hear every week in our consultations. We’ve worked closely with our orthopaedic and clinical care teams to make sure this reflects the concerns and decisions real patients face.