Knee replacement

ABOUT KARDIOLITA HOSPITAL

Kardiolita Hospital is known to be performing the highest number of orthopedic surgeries – and is being chosen by many international patients. Many of them choose Kardiolita Hospital after being referred by their family members and friends.

Kardiolita Hospital employs only the most professional and qualified orthopedic surgeons, many having over 20 years of experience in operating daily.

Not only knee replacement surgeries, regularly performed at Kardiolita Hospital, are successful – we have many patients coming to us for hip replacement surgeries, with great results. Countless patients have been able to stand on their knees and walk without pain again after having knee replacement surgery at Kardiolita Hospital.

REFUND FROM NHS AND HSE

The hospital could provide help to patients with the documents needed to claim a refund from NHS and HSE for medical treatment provided abroad. 

THE QUOTE WE WILL PROVIDE TO YOU SPECIFICALLY, WILL BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND THERE WILL BE NO HIDDEN FEES. HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Pre-operative tests
• Surgeon consultation prior to the surgery
• Surgery
• Surgeon visits and consultations after the surgery
• Full medical care in the hospital
• Hospital stay with 5 daily meals. All patients having orthopedic surgeries stay in specially equipped wards
• All needed medications while in the hospital
• Medical Manager to assist at all times
• Help with organizing the trip

PREPARATION FOR THE SURGERY

Prior to the surgery, the patient needs to perform specific tests (blood tests, knee x-ray, and others) so that the operating surgeon could evaluate the complexity of the surgery, and choose the best method for the surgery. For patients who choose to go abroad for knee replacement surgery, it is important to review medical reports and medical history data prior to coming to the hospital, so that we could confirm the surgery can be performed.

For overweight people, losing some weight before the surgery may be recommended by the operating surgeon.

It is recommended for at least two weeks before the surgery to not take any aspirin or other pharmaceuticals which cause blood liquefaction. Avoid flaxseed, vitamin E, fish oil, green tea, chia seeds, primrose oil, ginger and garlic as it can increase the risk of bleeding as well.

It is recommended to quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery in order to get the best possible results, as nicotine affects blood flow and can slow down your recovery. Moreover, it can cause complications.

Patients may be given some exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, which could help to recover after surgery faster.

Patients may be directed to start taking new medications or supplements, such as iron supplements, which can help to recover faster as well.

IMPLANTS

At Kardiolita Hospital, we use only the newest knee implants of 4^th generation that have been approved worldwide and are being used at the world’s best hospitals.

SURGERY

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Knee replacement surgery, depending on complexity, takes about 2 hours. It is recommended to stay in the hospital for 6 nights after the surgery.

RECOVERY

• Most patients are able to stand and walk with assistance on the first day after the surgery.
• It is recommended to move your foot and ankle in order to prevent swelling and activate blood flow.
• Recommended exercises and activity are shown to the patient for easier recovery.
• Pain medicine may need to be taken for 7-10 days after the surgery.

REHABILITATION

Specific rehabilitation program is recommended for each knee replacement patient for easier recovery. Patients can choose to have rehabilitation in their home country or at Kardiolita Hospital – we recommend 10-14 days of rehabilitation. 

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Lithuania is known as #2 country in the world for the lowest number of complications after orthopaedic surgeries. Although our patients rarely ever face any complications at all, possible complications after knee replacement surgery include:

• Blood clots in the leg
• Infection
• Nerve or other tissue damage
• Bone fracture
• Haematoma