Pre-Op Information for Total Knee Replacement Patients

Before Surgery Day

Medications to stop: Blood thinners, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac), aspirin, and certain supplements must be stopped before surgery. Your anaesthetist and Dr Liew will provide a specific list. Do not stop any medication without guidance.

Pre-admission clinic: Attend the hospital pre-admission appointment for blood tests, ECG, and anaesthetic review. This is typically scheduled 1–2 weeks before surgery.

Fasting: No food or drink (including water) from midnight the night before surgery. Some medications may be taken with a small sip of water - confirm with our team.

GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic or similar): If you are on one of these medications, please note that your fasting instructions are different. You may have been given specific instructions from your anaesthetist - follow them closely, as not all paperwork has caught up with the changing fasting guidelines for patients on these medications. Currently the protocol requires 24 hours fasting from food, and 6 hours from clear fluids. During the 24-hour fast, you may drink clear fluids only - absolutely no milk, soups, or similar. Clear broth is acceptable during the 24 hours, up until 6 hours before surgery.

Your Hospital Stay

You will be admitted on the day of surgery. After your procedure, you will spend 2–3 nights at Eastwood Private Hospital. During this time:

• Physiotherapy begins on the day of surgery - sitting out of bed and taking first steps with your physio.
• Ice packs and elevation are used to manage swelling.
• Pain relief is provided regularly - please communicate your pain levels to the nursing team.
• Your dressing will usually remain on from surgery until your post-operative review. If there is additional bleeding, we will sometimes place a suction dressing on your wound, or replace the dressing to keep the wound dry. If you have minimal bleeding/fluid, the first dressing change will be at the 2–3 week mark - at our rooms, or with your local doctor or clinic if you are a regional patient.

Your first post-operative clinic visit with Dr Liew is typically at 2 weeks.

Early Recovery Milestones

Here is what to expect in the weeks after your knee replacement:

• Week 1–2: Managing at home with a walking frame or sticks. Pain managed with medications. Wound dressed. 2-week review with Dr Liew.
• Week 3–6: Increasing independence. Most patients drive an automatic car by 4–6 weeks (right knee: confirm with Dr Liew). Physiotherapy continuing.
• Month 2–3: Walking without aids. Returning to most activities. Swimming from 4 weeks post-op.
• Month 6–12: Continued strength improvement. Returning to golf and other low-impact sport.

Frequently Asked Questions