Anaesthesia Options for Knee Replacement
Most patients have a spinal anaesthetic with light sedation — safer and with faster recovery than general anaesthesia.
The preferred anaesthetic for knee replacement is a spinal block with light intravenous sedation. The leg is numb from mid-abdomen down, you are relaxed but not deeply asleep, and you avoid most of the side-effects of a general anaesthetic.
Benefits over general anaesthesia include less nausea, less drowsiness afterwards, lower risk of blood clots, better early pain control and faster discharge. Most patients prefer it once it is explained.
A general anaesthetic remains an option if a spinal is not advisable for you. Either way, the anaesthetist will meet you before surgery, take your history and recommend the safest option.
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