Surgery and Recovery

When surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery room for a period of close observation. Your blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, and body temperature will be closely monitored by the recovery room staff. Special attention will be given to your circulation and sensation in your feet and legs. Your level of pain will also be closely assessed. When you awaken and your condition is stabilized, you will be transferred to your room. Although protocols may vary, you may awaken to some or all of the following:

• A large dressing will have been applied to the surgical area.
• You may see a hemovac suction container with tubes leading directly into the surgical area. This device allows the nurses to measure and record the amount of drainage from the wound following surgery.
• An IV will continue post-operatively in order to provide adequate fluids. The IV may also be used for administration of antibiotics and other medications.
• A catheter may have been placed into your bladder as the side effects of some medications make it difficult to urinate.
• An elastic hose may be applied to decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A compression device may also be applied to your feet to further prevent DVT.
• You may have a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device or an epidural pump which will administer pain medication to you post-operatively. Only the patient is allowed to press the button on the PCA to prevent complications from occurring. To prevent overdose, the units are programmed to deliver a pre-defined amount of pain medication anytime the button is pressed.

You will typically be placed on a floor of the hospital with other patients who have had orthopedic surgery. As a result, the nursing staff is well-trained to manage the post-operative program following anterior hip replacement.