Why replace the knee joint?
KEYHOLE SURGERY
YOUR CARE PATH
This is a resumé of your care path. You can find an extended, interactive version - including notifications - in the AZ Alma app, available for download for your smartphone or tablet in the Apple App Store (iPhone & iPad) or the Google Play Store (Android).
Before surgery
14 days before treatment
Pre-Operative Consultation
After your first appointment with dr. Van den Wyngaert, you may attend the POC, where AZ Alma's nurses help you with all necessary documents. If this is not possible, please make another appointment via phone (+32 (0)9 310 06 43, available weekdays 8:30-18:30) or via e-mail (preoperatieveconsultatie@azalma.be).
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6 days before treatment
Health status
If there are any changes in your medical condition or use of medication after your visit to the anaesthesiologist or surgeon, you should contact the hospital. This could mean that your operation should be postponed. The same applies if you have wounds or pimples around the surgical area or develop a cold, cough or fever during the last days before the operation.
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1 day before treatment
Phone call
One day before your surgery you will receive a call from AZ Alma. You will be told when you need to be present and at what time the operation will take place. If there are any changes in your use of medication, allergies or health status, pass it on. If you do not hear from the hospital, it is best to contact them yourself.
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14 days before treatment
Quit smoking
Non-smokers rehabilitate faster and have a smaller chance of complications. Dr. Van den Wyngaert strongly advises you to quit smoking before your surgery.
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2 days before treatment
Bring to the hospital
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Home medication (pills and syringes) in their original packaging. Discuss with your doctor how you should take them the day before and of the operation.
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Laptop or smartphone is allowed. Wireless internet is available throughout the hospital.
Day of treatment
Shower
To reduce the risk of inflammation, please make sure your skin is clean. Do not use oily soap in the shower and no body lotion or oily cream after showering. Wash and rinse thoroughly on the day of treatment, but only with regular soap and water.
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7 days before treatment
Arrange contact & transport
Please arrange a contact person who is available during your time at the hospital and who can take you home - you cannot drive yourself on the day of the operation. Bring his or her contact details on the day of your treatment. It is best to choose someone who can assist you at home during the first 24 hours after your discharge from hospital.
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2 days before treatment
Do NOT bring
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Jewellery, wallet and other valuables
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Leave accessories like artificial nails, piercings, (ear)rings etc. at home
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Remove false teeth, glasses or contact lenses before surgery
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Don't remove your hearing aid; this makes for easier communication
Day of treatment
Fasting
You cannot eat, drink or smoke within six hours before surgery. Until two hours before admission, you may only drink water, apple juice, tea and coffee without milk and sugar. An exception to this rule is any necessary home medication, which you may take with a sip of water. When in doubt, consult your GP.
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In hospital
Day of treatment
Arrival
You register at the reception desk, where you will be referred to the Day Hospitalization department. There you will be assigned a room. You will also receive a wristband with your name and date of birth. Please wear this during your stay. After you have changed your clothes, you can proceed to the surgery ward.
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Day of treatment
Recovery
After the operation you will be taken to the recovery room, where nurses keep an eye on your comfort after waking. Keep in mind that you may feel drowsy and occasionally fall asleep again. If you have received spinal anesthesia (rachi), it can take up to an hour for the feeling to come back. You will be given analgesic medication; if necessary, you can request extra pain relief.
Day of treatment
Discharge
Patients are typically discharged just a few hours after the procedure. In some cases, the patient is asked to stay at the hospital an extra day. It is normal to feel a little bit under the weather after an operation. You must allow your body the time it needs to recover at its own pace.
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Day of treatment
Anesthesia
The anaesthesiologist administers the appropriate anesthetics before your surgery. During the procedure, he monitors your vital functions such as breathing, (un)consciousness and/or pain and adjusts the anesthetics if necessary. The method used can differ per patient, depending on age, physical condition and type of surgery.
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Day of treatment
Nursing ward
As soon as you're stable, you will be taken to the nursing ward. Here you can request food and drinks. The nurses will also give you medication and advice.
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Day of treatment
Surgery
Dr. Van den Wyngaert leads the operation, which typically only takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Click here for more information about keyhole surgery or arthroscopy.
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Day of treatment
Results
Your rate of recovery is usually easy to estimate after your keyhole surgery. Before you go home, the doctor will provide you with information about your expected recovery process. Depending on your treated injury, possible complications and other individual factors, your knee may hurt for a while. If necessary, you will receive an adjusted rehabilitation schedule.
Rehabilitation
1 day after treatment
Movement advice
You may start using your leg immediately after the operation, but listen to your body's signals!
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Swelling: rest & apply ice pack 3x 15 min/day.
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Persistent pain & swelling: relieve the knee and walk with crutches for a few days.
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After 2 to 3 days, you can ride your bicycle again. Begin with short distances in a low gear.
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Driving is allowed when you can walk stairs.
1 day after treatment
Wound care
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​After 24 hours: remove bandages and cotton wool. Pat wounds dry with disinfectant.
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Your GP will remove any stitches 7 to 14 days after surgery.
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You may shower after 2 days and bathe after a week.
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If the wounds still produce fluid after 3 days, please contact the hospital.
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1 day after treatment
Exercise
A good exercise to speed up recovery:
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Lie on your back, the healthy leg bent.
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Stretch the other knee, tighten the thigh muscle.
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Slowly lift the stretched leg about 40 cm and hold for 5 seconds.
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Repeat 10 times, a couple of times per day.
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Too easy? Attach an extra pound of weight to your ankle.
7 days after treatment
Work & sports
Generally, a week of rest is recommended before resuming sedentary work and three weeks for physical work. It is best to not do any sports until at least one month after the procedure. If your knee shows signs of swelling, reduce your physical activities.
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1 day after treatment
Blood thinners
Thrombosis or pulmonary embolism may occur when a blood clot occludes a vein in the operated leg. Your doctor will decide whether or not to prescribe medication based on your medical data. It usually concerns injections that you can either administer yourself for 10 days, or have them injected by a home nurse.
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21 days after treatment
Check-up
Three weeks after your surgery, you have an appointment at the outpatient clinic, where your wound will be inspected. You will also discuss the results of the operation and any further measures to be taken.
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Orthopedic surgeon - specialized in the treatment of knee injuries