Arriving at the Hospital for Knee Replacement Surgery
Patients are usually asked to report to the hospital several hours before the planned knee replacement operation. The exact arrival time depends on the hospital schedule, anaesthesia plan, admission process and required preoperative preparation.
The surgery-day process includes admission, identity confirmation, operative-side confirmation, anaesthesia assessment, safety checks, surgery, recovery-room monitoring and early mobilisation when medically safe. Patients preparing for admission may also read Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery.
What Happens on Arrival?
Identity, planned operation, operative side, consent, fasting status, medicines and allergies are checked.
Blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, temperature, recent reports and current symptoms are reviewed.
Any new fever, cough, chest symptom, urinary symptom, skin wound, dental infection or acute illness should be reported before surgery.
Identity, Consent and Operative-Side Confirmation
The patient’s name, planned procedure and operative side may be confirmed more than once by different team members. This repetition is intentional and forms part of surgical safety. The surgeon usually marks the operative leg before the patient enters the operating theatre. Patients should ask unresolved questions before sedation or anaesthesia.
Meeting the Anaesthetist
Previous anaesthesia experience, heart and lung health, diabetes, sleep apnoea, medicines and allergies are reviewed.
Fasting status, current symptoms, nausea history and pain-management requirements are considered.
The anaesthetist explains the proposed technique and relevant benefits and risks for that patient.
Spinal Anaesthesia for Knee Replacement
Spinal anaesthesia involves an injection in the lower back to temporarily numb the lower part of the body. The patient does not necessarily remain fully awake; sedation can be used so the patient feels relaxed, drowsy or lightly asleep. Suitability depends on medical condition, spinal anatomy, medicines and anaesthetic assessment.
General Anaesthesia for Knee Replacement
General anaesthesia causes unconsciousness during the operation. Medicines are given through an intravenous line, inhaled gases or both. The anaesthetist monitors breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other parameters throughout surgery. Neither spinal nor general anaesthesia is automatically best for every patient; the choice is individualised.
Nerve Blocks and Multimodal Pain Control
Pain management commonly combines medicines and techniques that work through different pathways. The aim is not to remove every sensation but to keep pain controlled enough for breathing, resting, moving and participating in early rehabilitation. Patients should inform the team when pain begins to increase rather than waiting until it becomes severe.
Preparation Before Entering the Operating Theatre
An intravenous line is placed for fluids and medicines.
Preventive antibiotics, nausea prevention, fluids, anaesthetic medicines or other medicines may be given according to the plan.
Jewellery, removable dental appliances, contact lenses and personal items are managed according to hospital instructions.
What Happens in the Operating Theatre?
Before surgery begins, the team performs a formal safety check. This confirms patient identity, planned operation, correct operative side, allergy status, antibiotic timing, implant and equipment availability and relevant medical concerns. The patient is positioned safely, monitoring equipment is attached and the operative leg is prepared with sterile technique.
What Happens During Total Knee Replacement?
The surgeon accesses the knee joint and assesses arthritis pattern, deformity and ligament balance.
Damaged bone and cartilage surfaces are prepared while preserving appropriate healthy bone and soft tissue.
Trial components are used, stability and movement are checked, selected implants are inserted and the wound is closed with a sterile dressing.
Patients can read further details about Total Knee Replacement in Mumbai.
Partial Knee Replacement on Surgery Day
Partial knee replacement treats only the arthritic compartment and is suitable only for selected patients with appropriate disease pattern, ligament function and deformity correction. It is not chosen only because it sounds smaller or cheaper. Read Partial Knee Replacement in Mumbai.
Robotic Knee Replacement on Surgery Day
In robotic-assisted knee replacement, a computer-assisted system supports planning and controlled execution. Depending on the platform, it may help map anatomy, assess alignment, plan implant position, guide bone preparation and reassess balance. The robot does not operate independently. Read Robotic Knee Replacement in Mumbai.
How Long Does Knee Replacement Surgery Take?
A primary knee replacement commonly takes approximately one to two hours, although complex procedures may take longer. Total time away from the hospital room is longer because it includes anaesthesia preparation, positioning, safety checks, surgery and recovery-room monitoring.
Tourniquet, Drain and Urinary Catheter
A tourniquet, wound drain or urinary catheter is not identical for every patient. Their use depends on procedure type, surgeon preference, bleeding, duration, urinary retention risk, monitoring needs and individual clinical factors.
What Happens in the Recovery Room?
Nurses monitor blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, oxygen level, alertness, pain, nausea and dressing condition.
Leg circulation, ankle and toe movement, return of spinal sensation and comfort are checked.
Oxygen, fluids, pain medicines or anti-nausea medicines may be given when required.
Pain, Swelling and First Walking
Some pain, tightness, swelling, numbness near the incision, thigh discomfort, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth or sore throat can occur immediately after surgery. Many patients begin assisted standing and walking on the day of surgery once medically stable. Early walking is a controlled rehabilitation step and does not mean the knee is fully recovered. Read Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery.
Eating, Drinking and Early Discharge Planning
Fluids and food are introduced when the patient is awake and nausea is controlled. Discharge depends on medical stability, pain control, safe mobility, oral intake, urination, home support and hospital protocol. Same-day discharge is not a measure of surgical quality or personal strength.
Requirements Before Discharge
Stable vital signs, adequate anaesthetic recovery, oral pain control and ability to eat and drink.
Safe walking with the advised aid, safe transfers and clear understanding of medicines, wound care and exercises.
Blood-clot prevention plan, suitable transport, home support and follow-up arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery Day
Will I be awake during knee replacement?
Patients receiving spinal anaesthesia may remain awake or receive sedation. General anaesthesia causes unconsciousness.
Does a robot perform robotic knee replacement?
No. The robotic system assists with planning and controlled execution. The surgeon remains in control throughout the operation.
When will I start walking?
Many patients begin assisted standing and walking on the day of surgery once medically stable.
Can I go home on the same day?
Selected patients can, but discharge depends on medical stability, mobility, pain control, oral intake, urination, home support and hospital protocol.
About the Author
Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai with clinical focus in total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement, bilateral knee replacement and revision knee replacement. Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya. Last medically reviewed: June 2026.
Book a Knee Replacement Surgery Consultation
Consultation may be useful if knee replacement has been advised and you want to understand the surgery-day process, anaesthesia, robotic assistance, hospital stay or early walking plan. Book an orthopedic consultation with Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Call or WhatsApp: +91 84249 03913 / +91 96113 30063.
Medical References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
American Society of Anesthesiologists: Patient Education on Anaesthesia
NHS: Knee Replacement and Recovery Guidance
Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalised surgical or anaesthetic advice. Anaesthesia, operating time, pain-management techniques, hospital stay and early mobilisation vary according to the procedure, medical condition, hospital protocol and individual recovery. Follow the instructions issued by the treating surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital team.
Explore the complete Knee Replacement Guides hub for preparation, surgery, recovery and long-term outcome articles.