Pre-operative information for patients having shoulder arthroscopy

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Pre-operative information for patients having
shoulder arthroscopy

• Mr. Sunil Sharma FRCS (Tr Orth)

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Advantages

• Quick accurate information
• Can perform corrective surgery at the same time
• Small incision
• Day case procedure
• Few complications

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Risks Potential complications

• Shoulder Stiffness
• Failure of surgery
• Infection
• Anaesthetic complications
• Other possible complications

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Anaesthesia

• General Anaesthesia
• Regional Anaesthesia (nerve block)

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Pre-assessment clinic

• Past history physical examination
• FBC
• ECG - if more than 40 years
• Other tests may be required depending on medical
  condition

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Insurance information(for private patients)

• Check insurance requirements
• Check if referral needed from GP

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Days before surgery

• Wash the shoulder
• Do not shave the area
• Protect the skin

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Day before Surgery

• Phone up hospital and confirm time of admission
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
• Put up a note as a reminder

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Day of Surgery

• Your surgeon with mark your limb and discuss the
  risks and benefits of the surgical procedure
• Your anaesthetist with discuss the anaesthetic
  and the post-operative pain control plan with you
  
• If you have not already signed your consent form
  you will at this stage

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Recovery

• You will wake up drowsy but should not have much
  pain
• However the nerve block / local anaesthetic will
  wear off several hours later and the shoulder can
  get painful
• You will be given painkillers (Codeine 30 mg
  Paracetamol 500 mg along with Voltarol 50 mg)
  before the nerve block wears off
• You will need a family member / friend to bring
  you home from hospital

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At home after surgery

• Apply ice packs / bag of frozen peas to shoulder
• Change dressing / band-aids
• Follow rehabilitation protocol
• Shower after 2 days

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Follow-up

• Follow-up in clinic will be arranged for 2 3
  weeks after surgery for a wound check
• Physiotherapy if required will be arranged

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Call your doctor if..

• Excess pain or swelling in shoulder
• Fever or redness
• Other problems or complications