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Understanding Anesthesia for Hip Preservation Surgery
For many patients, anesthesia is one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of surgery. Even patients who feel confident about the procedure itself often wonder what it will feel like to “go under,” how pain will be controlled, and what to expect when they wake up.
The goal of anesthesia during hip preservation surgery, including Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO), is to keep patients safe, comfortable, and pain-controlled throughout the procedure and early recovery. This page explains how anesthesia is used, how decisions are made, and what patients typically experience.
What Is the Role of Anesthesia in Hip Preservation Surgery?
Anesthesia allows surgery to be performed without pain or awareness while carefully monitoring vital functions. During hip preservation procedures, anesthesia teams work closely with surgeons to support both the operation itself and the recovery process.
Anesthesia is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Plans are individualized based on the type of surgery, patient health, medical history, and comfort needs.
Types of Anesthesia Used
Most hip preservation surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, meaning patients are fully asleep during the procedure. In many cases, general anesthesia is combined with additional techniques designed to improve comfort and reduce postoperative pain.
These may include regional anesthesia or nerve-based pain control methods that help minimize discomfort after surgery and reduce reliance on stronger pain medications.
The anesthesia team will discuss these options with you before surgery and answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect
Before Surgery
Before surgery, you will meet with a member of the anesthesia team who will review your medical history, medications, prior anesthesia experiences, and any concerns you may have.
This conversation is an important opportunity to discuss:
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Previous reactions to anesthesia
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Nausea or motion sickness
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Anxiety about surgery
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Pain control preferences
The goal is to create a plan that prioritizes both safety and comfort.
What Happens
During Surgery
Once anesthesia is administered, patients are continuously monitored throughout the procedure. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels.
You will not feel or remember the surgery itself. The anesthesia team remains present and attentive for the entire operation, adjusting medications as needed to maintain comfort and stability.
Waking Up
After Surgery
After surgery, patients are taken to a recovery area where anesthesia gradually wears off. It is normal to feel groggy, sleepy, or slightly disoriented at first.
Some patients experience mild nausea, sore throat, or chills as anesthesia effects resolve. These symptoms are temporary and are treated promptly if they occur.
Pain control remains a priority during this phase, and adjustments are made to keep discomfort manageable.
How Anesthesia Supports Pain Management
Anesthesia plays a key role in early pain control after hip preservation surgery. By using a multimodal approach, anesthesia teams help reduce pain signals during and immediately after surgery.
This early pain control supports:
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More comfortable recovery
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Earlier participation in physical therapy
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Reduced need for higher doses of pain medication
Anesthesia and pain management strategies work together as part of a coordinated recovery plan.
Recovery
Safety and Monitoring
Modern anesthesia is very safe. Anesthesia teams are highly trained specialists who focus exclusively on patient safety and comfort during surgery.
Throughout the procedure and recovery, patients are closely monitored, and any changes are addressed immediately. For most patients, anesthesia risks are low and carefully managed.
Addressing Common Fears About Anesthesia
It is normal to feel nervous about anesthesia. Common concerns include not waking up, feeling pain during surgery, or feeling out of control.
These fears are understandable, but anesthesia today is designed to minimize risk and maximize comfort. Open communication with your anesthesia team helps ensure concerns are addressed and reassurance is provided.
Summary
Anesthesia is a carefully planned and closely monitored part of hip preservation surgery. Its purpose is to ensure safety, comfort, and effective pain control throughout the surgical experience.
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to focus on recovery and long-term hip health.
If you have questions or concerns about anesthesia, your care team is always available to discuss them before surgery.