Bone and joint surgery anaesthesia questions and answers

Before the operation your anaesthetist reviews your health, in person or by telehealth, and explains the options. You will usually see them again just before you go into theatre. If you have not heard who your anaesthetist is, ask your surgeon's rooms or the hospital.

Yes. ANZCA explains that a specialist anaesthetist is a medical doctor who has completed at least two years of general hospital work and then at least five years of supervised training in anaesthesia, and that the title is protected by law. You can check any practitioner's registration on the Ahpra public register.

Not unless you have been told to. Blood thinners need a specific plan, made with your surgeon, anaesthetist and the doctor who prescribes them. Ask early, so there is time to make the plan.

Tell the hospital or your anaesthetist as soon as you can. ANZCA asks patients to mention any recent cough, cold or fever, because it can change the plan. They will advise whether the operation should go ahead or be moved.

You can say what you would prefer. Many joint replacements are done under a spinal, with or without sedation, but a general anaesthetic is also an option for many people. Your anaesthetist will explain how the options compare for you, and the decision is made together.

A screen keeps the operation out of view. You may hear the operating theatre, unless you have sedation, which leaves you relaxed and drowsy. With sedation you may still remember parts of the operation, especially conversations.

Shivering is a recognised, usually short-lived effect of spinal anaesthesia, and hospitals can feel cooler than home. Tell the staff if you are cold. healthdirect suggests packing warm clothes or a dressing gown for your stay.

Sometimes. A spinal can make it hard to pass urine for a while, and a catheter may be used until it settles. A catheter may also be placed after you are anaesthetised as part of the monitoring for some operations.

It depends on the block and the medicines used. A single injection commonly lasts from about 3 to 24 hours, sometimes longer, and a block topped up through a catheter can last several days. Ask your anaesthetist how long yours should last, and see our nerve blocks guide for how to look after the limb.

A spinal headache is rare. It usually settles with rest and can be treated if it does not. Tell your anaesthetist or nurse about a severe headache that does not go away.

Not for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic, and not while you are taking opioid pain medicine. After a joint replacement or fracture operation, your surgeon will tell you when it is reasonable to drive again.

Constipation is a common side effect of opioid pain medicines. Take the laxative you were prescribed, drink fluids unless told otherwise and keep moving as advised. Ask a pharmacist if it does not settle.

Take them to your local community pharmacy for disposal. Do not keep them for another time, and never give them to anyone else.

See a doctor straight away, the same day, because it can be a sign of a blood clot. Call 000 if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heart, dizziness or you cough up blood.

Tell the nurse or doctor straight away. Sudden confusion can be delirium, which is a medical emergency and is common in older people after surgery. If it happens at home, call 000 or go to an emergency department. Our guide to delirium explains how families can help.