Prior to your admission, you will be asked to complete a nursing interview. This will enable our anesthesiologists to provide appropriate services. The anesthesiologist will determine the type of anesthesia after consulting with you and your surgeon. Your anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia and remain with you throughout the procedure until you are in the recovery room.

For knee replacement surgery, we are able to provide peripheral nerve blocks for relief of post-operative pain.  Nerve blocks often substantially reduce the amount of pain a patient has in the first few days after sugery.  Additionally, patients with nerve blocks usually require less anesthesia during the surgery itself, so they tend to wake up faster after surgery.  If you or your surgeon are interested in a nerve block, please discuss it with your anesthesiologist to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this type of anesthesia.

If you have a complex medical condition or trouble with an anesthetic in the past, you may have a consultation with one of the anesthesiologists prior to your surgery date.  Have your surgeon write you a prescription for a "Pre-op Consultation" with the Department of Anesthesiology.  You may then call to make an appointment (202) 537-4437 to discuss and plan your care as appropriate. The appointment MUST take place at least 2 days before your scheduled surgery or procedure.  Anyone who wishes to schedule an appointment less than 2 days in advance of surgery will be directed to wait until the procedure date.

You may request a specific anesthesiologist by speaking with your surgeon or by calling the Anesthesia Office at (202) 537-4141 several days prior to your surgery.