Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation (aka Bankart repair or SLAP repair)
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This operation is performed under general anaesthesia. It is not possible, in Mr Jacobs's opinion to undertake this surgery under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetist will insert a local anaesthetic block into the base of your neck once you are asleep under the anaesthetic in order to give you pain relief post-operatively for approximately 8 to 12 hours.
- In preparation for general anaesthesia, you will have to fast for six hours prior to surgery. Any regular oral medication can be taken with just enough water to enable you to swallow the tablets. You should not chew gum whilst you are fasting before your operation.
- There will be two or three small incisions around your shoulder, usually only requiring one stitch, through which the surgery is performed.
- The local anaesthetic block into the base of your neck around the brachial plexus may wear off suddenly. It is advised therefore to start taking some form of pain relief as soon as a slight niggle is felt in the shoulder following your operation.
- After the operation your arm will be in a sling that you should keep on for a total of three weeks. You will then attend physiotherapy to start mobilising your shoulder.
- You will be allowed home once the pain controlling your shoulder is satisfactory, probably within 24 hours after your operation.
- As you have had a general anaesthetic, you may feel more tired than usual for about 48 hours after surgery. You may also feel sick, dizzy or faint, have a headache or sore throat. Very occasionally patients can feel nauseated up to 24 hours after an operation under general anaesthetic.
- You will receive an appointment through the post at two weeks after surgery for follow up and removal of your stitches.
WHAT TO DO:
- Mr Jacobs would advise you to take regular painkillers at home until the pain settles down.
- You may eat and drink normally if you feel like doing so. Do not worry if you do not feel hungry. If you vomit or feel sick then continue with bed rest and drink clear fluids only.
- The dressing of the wounds on the shoulder should be kept clean and dry and left in place for 48 hours. You should try not to get the wounds and/or dressing wet. If they do get wet by accident then all dressings should be removed and the wounds should be re-dressed after being dried with a hair drier on low to medium heat setting. Under no circumstances should wet dressings be left applied to the wound for any length of time.
- You will be sent an appointment for follow up and removal of your stitches. This is usually two weeks after the operation.
- Mr Jacobs will refer you for physiotherapy to help mobilise your shoulder after removal of your stitches whether you will need physiotherapy. This is usually arranged at Highfield Hospital three weeks after your operation. The number of sessions you will require will be decided by the physiotherapist themselves and will depend on your progress.
- Your return to work depends on the type of work you do. If this is sedentary or office-based work then you can return to work as soon as you are able to use your shoulder for everyday activities probably after your sutures are removed at two weeks. If this is heavy manual work then you will not be able to work for at least six weeks.
- Mr Jacobs would advise that you can drive your car as soon as the pain has settled in the shoulder and you are able to grip the steering wheel. If in doubt, ring either his secretary or contact your General Practitioner.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PROBLEMS:
- If the shoulder becomes very painful, swollen, throbbing or inflamed; the wound could be infected and you should seek advice from the ward at Highfield Hospital with regards to this.
- If anything else unexpected occurs please seek help.
- If you are worried in any way with regards to the surgical wound, please contact either Highfield Hospital (01706 655 121), my secretary (0161 448 2928) or your General Practitioner. You can also use my email address: pennineshoulder@aol.com.
