A 48-year-old member asked:
Is it common for hospitals to give epidurals or general anesthesia for knee surgery?
4 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Romanth Waghmaraeanswered
Pain Management 41 years experience
Knee surgery: The decision is not up to the hospital - they have no roles in this. It is purely up to the anesthesiologist and and the surgeons preference. Discuss with the anesthesiologist first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
15 years experience
Depends : This decision is to be made between you, your surgeon and your anesthesiologist. The risks and benefits of your anesthetic plan will be discussed.
Epidurals and general anesthesia are relatively common practice in the setting of total knee replacements. Femoral nerve blocks and catheters are also another option.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Orrin Ailloni-Charasanswered
Anesthesiology 31 years experience
Both are common: It would depend on the needs and expectations of the patient as well as the preference of the anesthesiologist and surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Pollardanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes: The regional anesthetic has a protective effect on the formation of blood clots after surgery. There is also the ability to immediately exercise the knee though a range of motion while still getting pain medication. This allows an improved outcome after surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Roger Palutsis commented
Sports Medicine 38 years experience
Yes. . Each has its own pros and cons. The decision should include the patient, surgeon & Anethesiologist based on best choice for the pt.
Apr 5, 2013
Last updated Apr 1, 2019
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