An explanation of the Knee Arthroscopy procedure This link will take you to another website and will open in another window.
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GENERAL DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

1) You cannot drive home after this surgery. Someone should drive you home and assist you into the house. Generally, you should not drive until you have had your stitches removed by our nursing staff.

2) You should have someone assist you over the next 24 hours after surgery.

3) Anesthetic agents can remain in the body for up to 36 hours after the surgery. You should not drink alcohol or make important legal decisions during this time frame.

4) Your doctor discussed surgical findings with you in the recovery room. It is not unusual for you to have little recollection of that. He will discuss your surgical findings and show you intra-operative pictures at your follow-up appointment in 10-14 days.

5) If not already scheduled, you are responsible for making a post-operative appointment in 10-14 days by calling the office at 508-457-4900.

Activities:
Generally, you should be weight bearing as tolerated on crutches or a walking cane, whichever is most comfortable. The Senior Centers sometimes have walkers available to borrow short term. You can rent or buy one at your nearest Medical Supply center. You can get rid of your assisted device as soon as the leg feels comfortable and secure. It's okay to ambulate around the house as much as possible after your surgery. There is a special ice pack on your leg with two gel pads inside. You should have received two additional gel packs to place in the freezer. Place ice on your knee for 20 minutes every hour you are awake for the first three days. Thereafter you can use it as needed, especially after exercise.

Dressings:
A clean and sterile dressing was placed on your wounds after the operation. You may remove this bulky dressing on post-operative day 2. Place band-aids over the small wounds and sutures. Replace the band-aids daily. Keep the bulky dressing clean and dry the first 2 days. You may get your wound wet after you remove the bulky dressing.

Medications:
You received a prescription for narcotic pain medication. Narcotics can make you light-headed, nauseous, confused and constipated. If these symptoms occur, cut your dosage in half. Pain medication should be taken early in the pain medication cycle. If you have NSAIDS at home such as MOTRIN, ADVIL, ALEEVE or IBUPROFEN, you may take these for break through pain not adequately controlled by narcotics.

Diet:
Your regular diet is recommended.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE FEVER/CHILLS, EXCESSIVE BLEEDING, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHEST PAINS, REDNESS AROUND THE WOUND WITH STREAKING, CONTINUOUS NAUSEA OR VOMITING, REPORT TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT at FALMOUTH HOSPITAL EMERGENCY: 508-457-3660.