What type of preparation needs to take place before total hip resurfacing arthroplasty for total hip resurfacing arthroplasty?
Total hip resurfacing arthroplasty is an option for healthy, active, and motivated individuals in whom arthritis interferes with hip function. A successful outcome can be influenced by good communication between the patient and the surgeon. Patients should optimize their health prior to surgery. Smoking should be stopped a month before surgery and not resumed for at least several months afterwards (if ever). Any heart, lung, kidney, bladder, or dental problems should be managed before surgery; infection could be a reason to postpone surgery. The hip surgeon needs to be aware of all health issues, including allergies and the non-prescription (herbal medicines, St. John’s wort, etc.) and prescription medications being taken. Some of these medicines might need to be discontinued before surgery – especially those that may increase a patient’s likelihood to bleed. Since blood transfusion might be necessary, patients may choose to have a blood bank draw and store their own blood for a possib
