Preparing for Your Private Knee Replacement Surgery: A Consultant-Led Guide
When you choose private knee replacement surgery, you’re not just shortening your wait time. You’re gaining access to a consultant-led, highly personalised treatment pathway. Preparation is a key part of ensuring your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Here’s our expert guide to help you prepare with confidence.
Your Pre-Assessment Appointment
Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-assessment appointment, typically 2 to 3 weeks before surgery.
During this appointment, our clinical team will:
- Take a detailed medical history
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
- Conduct blood tests and, if necessary, ECG or chest X-ray
- Discuss your current medications and any allergies
- Explain how your anaesthetic will be managed
This is also your opportunity to ask questions, including the type of implant you’ll receive, expected hospital stay, and your recovery plan. We recommend preparing a list of concerns or medications beforehand.
Fasting and Medication Guidance
Fasting:
You’ll need to stop eating solid food from midnight before your surgery, unless advised otherwise. You may be allowed to drink clear fluids until a few hours before the operation. This will be confirmed during pre-assessment.
Medications:
Some medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, or supplements, may need to be stopped or adjusted. You’ll receive tailored instructions from our anaesthetist or clinical team. Never stop medication without medical advice.
Preparing Your Home Environment
After surgery, you’ll need to prioritise comfort and safety at home. Here’s what we recommend:
- Declutter walkways to reduce trip hazards
- Set up a rest area on the ground floor if your bedroom is upstairs
- Raise seating height using cushions or support chairs
- Stock up on ready meals or batch-cook to reduce strain
- Place essentials within reach: phone charger, remote, water, medication
- Arrange help for the first few days, either from a family member, friend, or carer
We also advise arranging transport home in advance, as you won’t be able to drive post-surgery.
Confirming Your Surgical Plan
In the days before your procedure, your consultant or patient coordinator will:
- Confirm your admission time and ward details
- Go over your consent forms and implant selection
- Provide you with a hospital packing list
- Share your anticipated discharge date (usually 1 to 2 days after surgery)
You’ll also receive written guidance on exercises to start before surgery, such as gentle quadriceps strengthening or pre-op physiotherapy, if applicable.
What to Bring with You
Pack lightly but mindfully:
- Your hospital letter and ID
- Loose, comfortable clothing and non-slip slippers
- Toiletries and basic medication (if advised)
A book, headphones, or anything that helps you feel at ease
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.