Many times, problems with the shoulder joint can get better without needing surgery. But if other treatments don’t work, the doctor might suggest shoulder surgery.
This makes people ask how long does arthroscopic shoulder surgery take. I think discussing what happens before, during, and after shoulder surgery is necessary.
Understanding Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
It is a specialized surgery on the shoulder also known as arthroscopy. It is not like surgery where the organism’s body is just opened up a lot. Rather than that, they make small openings and insert a small camera into it to ascertain what happened. This ways helps the doctor to put things right without much destruction.
What is the operation all about?
In the process of surgery, the physician incises some small openings around the shoulder. One day, they have been placing a small camera in one of the holes to find out what is going on there. In the end, they use some specific instruments to resolve the issue. It is such as using very small equipment to sort things inside the shoulder joint!
How Long Does Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Take?
People who had shoulder arthroscopic surgery asked how long the procedure would last.
Well, the surgery usually takes about 40 minutes. But sometimes, it can take longer if there are more problems inside your shoulder. The doctor will tell you more about how long it will take before you have the surgery.
However, here’s the procedure details:
Before Surgery
Before your surgery, your doctor will want to know all about any previous illnesses or medical conditions you may have had and all the medications you are currently taking. There are certain medicines which should not be taken for at least 3 days before a surgery.
This includes; How long one should avoid taking food and any thing that may contain liquids before undergoing the surgery at the hospital. Besides, medical examinations that you might need before the surgery are blood test, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram to assess your general health for the surgery.
During Surgery
Most shoulder arthroscopy procedures take approximately one hour, but this may vary depending on the condition or injury in the shoulder. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Positioning: You will be positioned in a slightly reclined position, similar to a lounge chair or on your side.
- Prep Work: Any hair in the area will be removed and the skin scrubbed with antisepsis for surgery. They may hold your arm still using some device That’s why they might use a holding device.
- Inflating the Joint: Otherwise, an anesthetic may be performed on your shoulder to distend the joint so that the surgeon has a clear view of it.
- Making the Incision: Through a mini incision about the size of a buttonhole, a tube with a camera (arthroscope) will introduced into your shoulder.
- Visualizing the Issue: Frankly, views from the camera will be projected on the video monitor to enable the surgeon establish the problem.
- Repairing the Damage: Further miniscus will be created to insert small tools for the repair.
- Closing the Procedure: The next step after surgery is the applying of sutures and then covering it with small dressing and the final dressing over the area.
After Surgery
An arthroscopic operation for the shoulder is usually carried out under local anaesthesia and as an outpatient, so the patient is allowed to go home after the surgery. The surgery takes just a little over 15 minutes while the recovery time at the hospital does not take up to 45 minutes.
You may need certain medicines for the pain after the operation, the hospital staff will dispense it. Find someone willing to take you home and maybe spend the night with you, in case you’re sobering up alone becomes a problem.
What is the Pain Experience Like After Shoulder Surgery?
While some pain is expected after surgery, the anesthesia team will use various techniques to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. They’ll discuss pain management options with you beforehand.
You might have had nerve blocks injected in your neck or shoulder during surgery to help make your shoulder and arm numb. They also assist in managing pain that may be experienced after the procedure has been carried out. In some instances, general anesthesia may be called for, and this will require you to be put under during surgery.
Everyone knows that pain is inevitable in the process of the recovery. Have open talks with your healthcare providers regarding any questions or issues you may have. They can consult you on how to take pain and ensure that your body is healing in the right way.
Potential Complications
As you know, there are always some risks connected with any kind of operation, and some of them can be quite severe. These include:
General Risks Common to Most Surgeries:
- Bleeding: Too much bleeding during or after surgery.
- Infection: Wounds getting infected.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may react to anesthesia or medications.
- Chest Infections: Higher risk, especially if you have breathing issues.
Specific Risks Associated with Shoulder Arthroscopy:
- Joint Bleeding: Bleeding into the shoulder joint.
- Infection in the Shoulder Joint: Chance of infection, even with smaller cuts.
- Severe Pain: Pain can be intense after surgery.
- Stiffness: Shoulder might get stiff.
- Arm and Hand Function Loss: Rare, but sometimes arm and hand may not work right.
- Nerve Damage: Nerves around the shoulder might get hurt.
When You’ll Recover After Shoulder Surgery?
You’ll likely be able to go home the same day as your surgery. A physiotherapist will then engage you in some exercises and advise on the best way forward. Recovery can be a long process and it is recommended that a patient take up to 3 months to fully regain his normal activities. It is particularly advisable to exercise in a routine as this aids in the recovery process, although it is always advisable to seek clearance from the healthcare professionals or a doctor before engaging in any form of exercise.
The majority of patients gain much relief but this could take some time to feel relieved from pain and for their mobility to improve. Symptoms may go away on their own over time, but the risk for their recurrence in the future still exists.
Last Words
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is however a very delicate process that may cause fears and this is why it is helpful to know what to expect. To enhance the chances of success, it is highly recommended to adhere strictly to your surgeon’s advice as well as stick to you rehabilitative schedule.
Always discuss with your doctors every question that comes to your mind, such as how long does arthroscopic shoulder surgery take. They are always with you as you go through each of these processes. And slowly but surely, you will be well on the way back to good health again.