Bilateral knee replacement surgery is a procedure where both knees are replaced one after the other in a single operation session. However, it is quite uncommon for people to have arthritis in both knees, leave alone reaching the same degree at the same time & where bilateral knee replacement surgery may eventually be required. But even when such a case arises, the decision to undergo bilateral knee replacement is one of convenience since having a single newly operated knee along with one which is still stiff & painful from arthritis can make recovery more difficult.
Why Undergo Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery?
When cartilage has worn in both knees, an artificial knee joint known as prosthesis can take its place. Surgical intervention which is meant to implant prostheses in both knees is called Bilateral Total Knee Replacement Surgery. During this procedure, only the surface of joint are removed & arthritic ends of bones are shaved & replaced with newer plastic & metal surfaces. Bilateral knee replacement surgery is able to recreate almost normal function of knees, while the goal remains to relieve pain. This procedure is also meant to help restore motion of both knee joints while straightening limbs.
- Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement procedure is designed to replace both knee joints of a patient on the same day, under single anesthesia. This usually takes place in the same surgical event within a single hospital stay & is normally followed by a common rehabilitation program.
- Staged Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Staged bilateral total knee replacement surgery means that although both knee joints are replaced, they take place on two separate surgical events. Moreover, each surgery is performed several months apart from one another & therefore requires two hospital stays, two anesthesia administrations & two separate rehabilitation programs.
Health Considerations While Deciding to Undergo Bilateral Knee Replacement
Patients should consider both pros & cons of bilateral knee replacement surgery before consenting to the operation. Bilateral knee replacement is a much longer surgery which takes about 3 – 4 hours of time to complete operating upon both knees. This is quite a long time upon the operating table & involves long anesthetic influence which may not be well tolerated by physically compromised patients like those who are frail & 80+ & others with pulmonary disease or cardiovascular problems.
- Disadvantages of Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Disadvantages of simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement procedure include a probable increase in risk of cardiovascular complications & a high possibility of requiring blood transfusion following surgery. Moreover, this procedure is not available to all patients with problems in both knees simply because it implies higher stress upon the cardiovascular system. Only those patients who are in good health are appropriate candidates & therefore special emphasis must be made for adequate patient selection. Moreover, initial rehab is slightly more difficult as patients are left with no good leg to stand upon.
- Disadvantages of Staged Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Disadvantages of undergoing staged bilateral total knee replacement surgery includes that the patient will require two different stays at the hospital, along with two anesthesia administration & delay in time for returning from disability.
Recovery Consideration Following Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Early rehabilitation following bilateral knee replacement surgery during recovery can most often be hampered for patients as they would be having two legs which are difficult to move, bend or lift them. However, most patients will be able to adequately bear weight upon them. Results in terms of function & relieving pain in both types of bilateral knee replacement surgery procedures are excellent & equivalent for relieving pain & performing everyday activities. Most bilateral knee replacement patients can expect more than 95 percent chance of success at 15 years.
Benefits of Undergoing Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
- Advantages of Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Advantages of undergoing simultaneous bilateral knee replacement procedure include the fact that it involves a single surgical event alongside single administration of anesthesia, shorter stay at the hospital & possibility of symmetrically rehabilitating the patient.
- Advantages of Staged Bilateral Total Knee Replacement
Advantages of undergoing staged bilateral knee replacement surgery apparently include lower level of stress for the cardiovascular system along with lesser complications relating to heart & deep veins & lesser possibility of requiring blood transfusions as well following surgery. Moreover, staged bilateral total knee replacement surgery is an excellent choice for patients with pulmonary, vascular or cardiac diseases or for those who are above 80 years of age.
Support Considerations Following Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Bilateral knee replacement surgery requires a strong home team for patients, which is even more than a single knee replacement procedure. This can include a hired nurse & therapeutic support along with members of the household. Moreover, physical & emotional support for the patient is required for several weeks of time following bilateral knee replacement surgery & which is extremely vital for achieving proper recovery.
Affordable Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery in India
Cost of bilateral knee replacement surgery in India is just a fraction of what an international patient would pay to undergo in developed countries like Australia, Germany, UK, Canada or the United States. Moreover, knee replacement surgery in India is of excellent quality with success rates at par with the best in the world. Travcure Medical Tourism is a globally reputed healthcare service provider which is associated with top orthopedic surgeons & the best accredited multispecialty hospital facilities. Travcure is well placed to offer the best cost of bilateral knee replacement surgery to people from all around the world who are seeking affordable medical procedures beyond their homeland.
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