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FORERUNNERS HEALTHCARE CONSULTANTS PVT. LIMITED

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Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India

Overview: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer affecting both males and females in the United States. Annually, approximately 102,900 Americans are diagnosed with the disease. Approximately 80 percent of cases are localized to the bowel and regional lymph nodes at diagnosis .Colon cancer is a common type of malignancy (cancer) in which there is uncontrolled growth of the cells that line the inside of the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer. With 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, it is the fourth most common form of cancer in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colon cancers arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon.

What is Colon Cancer? Colon Cancer also known as colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Screening for Colon cancer should begin at the age of 40 in healthy adults. 70 to 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in adults without specific risk factors. Colon cancer may affect any racial or ethnic group; however, some studies suggest that Americans of northern European heritage have a higher-than-average risk of colon cancer.

Types of Colon Cancer The Types of Colon Cancer are as under: Adenocarcinomas: These are the most common type of Colon Cancer and originate in glands. It account for about 9095 percent of all colorectal Cancers and have two subtypes, Mucinous and signet ring cell. The Mucinous subtype comprises about 10-15 percent of Adenocarcinomas while the signet ring cell subtype comprises less than 0.1 percent of Adenocarcinomas. Leiomyosarcomas: This type of Colon Cancer occurs in the smooth muscle of the Colon. Leiomyosarcomas account for less than two percent of colorectal Cancers and have a fairly high chance of metastasizing. Lymphomas: These are the rare and are more likely to start in the rectum than in the Colon. However, lymphomas that start somewhere else in the body are more likely to spread to the Colon than to the rectum. Melanomas: This type of Colon cancer is rare. Usually, it results from a melanoma that started somewhere else and then spread to the Colon or rectum. Melanomas account for less than 2% of colorectal Cancers. Neuroendocrine Tumors: This tumor is divided into two main categories: aggressive and indolent.

Causes of Colon Cancer There are several causes for colorectal cancer as well as factors that place certain individuals at increased risk for the disease. There are known genetic and environmental factors. The people at risk for colorectal cancer:

The biggest risk factor is age. Colon cancer is rare in those under 40 years. The rate of colorectal cancer detection begins to increase after age 40. Most colorectal cancer is diagnosed in those over 60 years. Have a mother, father, sister, or brother who developed colorectal cancer or polyps. When more than one family member has had colorectal cancer, the risk to other members may be three-to-four times higher of developing the disease. This higher risk may be due to an inherited gene. Have history of benign growths, such as polyps, that have been surgically removed. Have a prior history of colon or rectal cancer. Have disease or condition linked with increased risk. Have a diet high in fat and low in fiber Symptoms of Colon Cancer Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and nonspecific. They include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer. Colon cancer can be present for several years before symptoms develop. Symptoms vary according to where in the large bowel the tumor is located. The right colon is spacious, and cancers of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any abdominal symptoms.

Diagnosis for Colon Cancer If people experience symptoms like those of colorectal cancer, they need to make an appointment with their family physician, a gastroenterologist, a physician specially trained in the management of digestive system disorders, or a colon and rectal surgeon, a specialist in treatment of diseases of the colon. The doctor performs a thorough clinical evaluation that includes: A complete medical, family, and drug history A physical examination, including a digital rectal examination Tests that may be performed include: Sigmoidoscopy Colonoscopy Double contrast barium enema (also called barium meal and enema)

Colon Cancer Staging Colon cancer is "staged" according to the pathological findings (results from biopsy) after surgery. Staging is a method to describe how advanced a cancer is. Staging for colorectal cancer takes into account the depth of invasion into the colon wall, and spread to lymph nodes and other organs: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ. This is a precancerous condition, usually found in a polyp. Stage I: The cancer has spread through the innermost lining of the colon to the second and third layers of the colon wall. It has not spread outside the colon.

Stage II: The cancer has spread outside the colon to nearby tissues. Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body. Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. Preparing for Colon Cancer Surgery It is vitally important to enter into Colon Cancer Surgery with a positive attitude. While the extent of involvement, type of tumor and surgical skill all play a role in the surgical outcome, going into the procedure with a sense of well being will help prepare your body to respond more effectively. Prepare yourself for a lengthy and possibly arduous recovery process, and expect good results. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery; this includes water. Continue to take medication as prescribed, but with only a sip of water. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or any medication containing aspirin for one week before your surgery. Do not smoke after midnight the night before your surgery. Do not wear any make-up, especially eye make-up, lotions, or powders. Do not bring large sums of money, jewelry, or credit cards. If you wear contact lenses, bring the case to remove them before going into surgery. Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish. Your nails are monitored during surgery to identify oxygen and blood circulation. Bring a list with you of all your medications and their dosages. Bring your insurance identification cards, a copy of Advance Directives, etc.

Colon Cancer Treatment Different types of treatment are available for patients with colon cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. Colon cancer treatment options depend on; The stage of the cancer Whether the cancer has recurred The patients general health The three primary treatment options for colon cancer are: Surgery - Surgery (removing the cancer in an operation) is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. In ideal situations, where the cancer is found at a very early stage, a doctor can remove the tumor with a colonoscope. Most of the time however, colon surgery is required. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses powerful energy sources, such as X-rays, to kill any cancer cells that might remain after surgery, to shrink large tumors before an operation so that they can be removed more easily, or to relieve symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Colon Cancer Surgery Procedures The goal of Colon Cancer Surgery is to eliminate the cancer or, in the case of advanced disease, relieve symptoms. Leave an area around the cancerous site that is free of cancer cells. Therefore, no cancer cells are present in the tissue surrounding the surgery site and finally to remove nearby lymph nodes. The following are the major types of Colon Cancer Surgery: Bowel Diversion Surgery: Bowel diversion surgery allows stool to safely leave the body whenbecause of disease or injurythe large intestine is removed or needs time to heal. Bowel is a general term for any part of the small or large intestine. Some bowel diversion surgeriesthose called ostomy surgerydivert the bowel to an opening in the abdomen where a stoma is created. A surgeon forms a stoma by rolling the bowels end back on itself, like a shirt cuff, and stitching it to the abdominal wall. An ostomy pouch is attached to the stoma and worn outside the body to collect stool. Other bowel diversion surgeries reconfigure the intestines after damaged portions are removed. For example, after removing the colon, a surgeon can create a colon like pouch out of the last part of the small intestine, avoiding the need for an ostomy pouch. Cancer, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis are all possible reasons for bowel diversion surgery. Several surgical options exist for bowel diversion. o Ileostomy: diverts the ileum to a stoma. Semisolid waste flows out of the stoma and collects in an ostomy pouch, which must be emptied several times a day. An ileostomy bypasses the colon, rectum, and anus and has the fewest complications. Colostomy: is similar to an ileostomy, but the colonnot the ileumis diverted to a stoma. As with an ileostomy, stool collects in an ostomy pouch. Ileoanal reservoir surgery: is an option when the large intestine is removed but the anus remains intact and disease-free. The surgeon creates a colon like pouch, called an ileoanal reservoir, from the last several inches of the ileum. The Ileoanal reservoir is also called a pelvic pouch or J-pouch. Continent Ileostomy: is an option for people who are not good candidates for ileoanal reservoir surgery because of damage to the rectum or anus but do not want to wear an ostomy pouch. As with ileoanal reservoir surgery, the large intestine is removed and a colon-like pouch, called a Koch pouch, is made from the end of the ileum.

Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a type of colon cancer surgery that uses a special probe with tiny electrodes that kill cancer cells. Sometimes the probe is inserted directly through the skin and only local anesthesia is needed. In other cases, the probe is inserted through an incision in the abdomen (stomach). This is done in the hospital with general anesthesia. Radiofrequency ablation helps the surgeons and radiologists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America eliminate small liver tumors, often without the risks and discomfort associated with traditional surgery. Radiofrequency ablation is also less invasive and less painful. To perform this innovative procedure, our surgeons or radiologists use ultrasound guidance to place a thin, needle-like device into the center of a liver tumor. The tip of the device then emits the radiofrequency waves (i.e., electrical energy), directing the heated energy at the tumor to destroy cancer cells. Radiofrequency ablation can be applied during a surgical procedure, or through the skin. It may be an appropriate treatment for colorectal cancer patients who have multiple tumors, or who have been previously treated with surgery.

Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as carcinoma in situ. This type of surgery is also called cryotherapy. Cryosurgery can be used to treat men who have early-stage prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. It is less well established than standard prostatectomy and various types of radiation therapy. Long-term outcomes are not known. Because it is effective only in small areas, cryosurgery is not used to treat prostate cancer that has spread outside the gland, or to distant parts of the body. Some advantages of cryosurgery are that the procedure can be repeated, and it can be used to treat men who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy because of their age or other medical problems. Cryosurgery for the prostate gland can cause side effects. These side effects may occur more often in men who have had radiation to the prostate. Cryosurgery offers advantages over other methods of cancer treatment. It is less invasive than surgery, involving only a small incision or insertion of the Cryoprobes through the skin. Consequently, pain, bleeding, and other complications of surgery are minimized. Cryosurgery is less expensive than other treatments and requires shorter

complications of surgery are minimized. Cryosurgery is less expensive than other treatments and requires shorter recovery time and a shorter hospital stay, or no hospital stay at all. Sometimes cryosurgery can be done using only local anesthesia. Polypectomy: A polypectomy may be sufficient in cases involving Duke's Stage A and B cancers. The procedure is performed during a colonoscopy. During the procedure, the polyp is encircled with a wire snare and then an electro cauterizing current is passed through the endoscopic tube, and the polyp is removed. The procedure is then followed by a biopsy and periodic monitoring to check the colon for additional polyps, as well as to monitor for blood in the stool, and for tumor marker levels. There is the risk with a polypectomy that not all of the cancer has been removed. Thus, many surgeons advise a surgical resection to remove not only the part of the colon that contains the cancer, but also a margin of colon on either side of the tumor so as to avoid missing the presence of microscopic cancerous cells that would later spread. If a patient and his or her medical team do opt for a polypectomy, it is important for the patient to be highly motivated to follow up with monitoring procedures, as there is an increased risk of recurrence.

Laparoscopic Colectomy: A laparoscopic colectomy procedure helps to eliminate the colon cancer. It is able to do this more easily than other procedures such as conventional open surgery, because this procedure places considerably less stress upon the body compared to that of conventional open surgery. Depending on your age and medical condition you may be required to undergo preoperative testing. This may include blood work, x-rays, and an electrocardiogram. The office will arrange this and give you instructions when you schedule your surgery. Patients will also be given a prescription for pain medication. It is recommended that you fill this prescription prior to the day of surgery. The colon is an enormous organ in size, and for the body to continue to be healthy, thrive, and to survive, the colon must be functioning at a reasonably normal state. Unfortunately, it is so common nowadays for us humans to do great damage by abusing its life sustaining properties. The colon is so frequently taken for granted that it is causing problems to untold numbers of people. It is truly a shame and disservice that in this time of our history, the importance of the heart and the importance of avoiding heart disease is so well known, but knowledge of the importance of the colon is so lacking among the general population. The colon deserves a lot more attention that it gets in our modern day world. Life After Colon Cancer Surgery After colon cancer surgery, you will be hospitalized for five to seven days. Intestinal ileus, a condition that interferes with your intestines' proper functioning, can occur and cause nausea and poor appetite. You will receive IV fluids during this time to prevent dehydration. The first day after surgery, your doctor will recommend getting out of bed and walking around. You will start a liquid diet one to two days after surgery and gradually work your way up to normal food. Change your diet to a low-fiber diet for the next five to six months to reduce the amount of bulk in your colon. A small amount of pain is expected after surgery, and your doctor will administer pain medication to you intravenously, orally or intramuscularly.

Recovering After Colon Cancer Surgery The amount of time that people are hospitalized after colon surgery varies. Most people stay in the hospital several days after surgery. During the recovery period, patients should follow the following tips for proper recovery: Avoid lifting heavy objects. Such strain may cause a herniation or a rip in the weakened muscles lining the abdominal wall. A gradually progressive exercise program, prescribed by your doctor, helps strengthen abdominal muscles. Follow a high-fiber diet.

If excessive gas, diarrhea, or constipation becomes a problem, eliminate the suspected offending food from the diet. It may be possible to reintroduce this food later. If diarrhea is a problem, eat applesauce, bananas, or rice. Take laxatives or anti-diarrhea medications only when prescribed by the doctor. If surgery included a colostomy, instructions on care of the colostomy will be given by specialized nurses called enterostomal therapists.

Alternatives to Colon Cancer Surgery With every passing day, we are learning about complementary and alternative medicine therapies for Colon Cancer treatments, but there is still more to learn. Consumers may use the terms "natural," "holistic," "home remedy," or "Eastern medicine" to refer to complementary and alternative medicine. However, experts recommend the following alternatives for Colon Cancer Surgery: Mind-Body Medicines Biologically Based Practices Manipulative and Body-Based Practices Energy Medicine Whole Medical Systems

Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India India has been recognized as a new emerging global medical destination for Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery. A sea of foreign patients from all across the world come to India for medical treatments and surgeries of high quality delivered as practiced in the developed nations like the US, UK or any part of the western world and that too at the most affordable costs. The Cancer Hospitals in India are well equipped with the most advanced medical treatment and techniques. They have the most extensive diagnostic and imaging facilities including Asias most advanced MRI and CT technology. These Hospitals offers you a almost all the medical services and treatment maintaining the international benchmarks. The Indian Oncologists performing different procedures of Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India are highly qualified, skilled with many years of experience and are affiliated with many renowned medical organizations. India provides the services of the most leading doctors and Colon Cancer Surgery professionals at reasonable cost budget in the following cities:

Mumbai Delhi Bangalore Chennai

Hyderabad Pune Nagpur Gurgaon

Kerala Goa Jaipur Chandigarh

Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India India offers outstanding Colon Cancer Treatment and Surgery at 60-80% less than prevailing USA or UK rates. Even with travel expenses taken into account, the comprehensive medical tourism packages still provide a savings measured in the thousands of dollars for major procedures. A cost comparison of various medical treatments can give you the exact idea about the difference:

Medical Treatment Bowel Diversion Surgery Cryosurgery Polypectomy

Procedure Cost (US$) United States 45,000 55,000 18,000

India 6,000 7,500 3,000

Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:

USA ustralia Kenya Tanzania Lanka Afghanistan

UK Zealand Ethiopia Zambia Bangladesh Nepal

Canada Nigeria Uganda Congo Pakistan Uzbekhistan

ABOUT INDIA Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.

Mumbai - Formerly known as Bombay, is the commercial & financial capital city of India. Mumbai is famous for many things, including its thriving Bollywood film industry, teeming bazaars, colonial-style buildings, Art Deco structures and a superb choice of restaurants, often being rated as the dining capital of India. The tourist district of Colaba in Mumbai is a great place to start exploring this great city.

Hyderabad Hyderabad city is a great place to visit in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The place has witnessed a continuous growth for last many years. Hyderabad has become a tourist hotspot following ever increasing number of tourists during past few years. Hyderabad has a well-founded reputation as one of the safest cities in the world.

Goa - The country's smallest state and famed for its colonial Portuguese and Catholic past, most tourists visit Goa for its endless selection of sandy beaches and coastal attractions. Standing proudly next to the Arabian Sea, Goa is a particularly compact state and often feels like a large town, being easy to travel. Around Goa, tourists will soon realize that the state has much more to offer than simply stunning beaches, fishing, water scooters, windsurfing and scuba diving. Bangalore - Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder and if you want to see one of the most beautiful places in India then Bangalore is the word for it. Bangalore has earned sobriquets like 'Silicon Valley of India', 'Pub Capital of India', and 'City of Gardens'. Pleasant climate with colorful gardens with lakes and glittering nightlife, Bangalore has made its own attraction for travelers as one of the most charming cities in India, Nagpur - Nagpur is the largest city in central India, but with its friendly atmosphere and dependable transportation, youll instantly feel at home. The city of Nagpur has a well-built infrastructure, is a clean and affluent city which makes a good jumping-off point for a series of trips into the far eastern corner of Maharashtra. Kerala - Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala better known as God's own country. Kerala is famous for its alternative medical therapies such as Ayurveda, which help to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. The region is also home to Indias only virgin tropical rain forest the Silent Valley National Park, supporting an overwhelming range of life forms, many of which are highly endangered, and endemic to this part of the planet. Delhi - "Welcome to The Capital City of India - New Delhi" Delhi is famous as Capital city of India is located in North India. Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jampacked burger joints and up market shopping malls. Delhi has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors. Pune - Once referred to as the Oxford of the east, Pune continues to be a stronghold for academics and culture. An array of factors like availability of efficient and experienced doctors, comparatively low treatment costs, hospital facilities of international standards and many more have made Pune one of the top destinations for medical tourism. Jaipur - Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. The magnificent forts, beautiful havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur a popular tourist destination among tourists. Jaipur has pioneered health and medical tourism in India. Chennai - Chennai is one of the most developed urban centers in the Indian subcontinent. The city forms the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. They have some of the very best hospitals and treatment centers in the world. Each hospital is equipped with state of the art facilities. The technology brought into practice is the very latest, including robotic surgery. Gurgaon - Located in the National Capital Region, Gurgaon is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Greater Delhi. In the last few years Gurgaon has boomed as the hub of IT and other new-age businesses. Gurgoan is the latest destination for Medical Tourism in India as it is the latest modern upcoming city near Delhi. Chandigarh - Located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and happening cities of India. Chandigarh has great potential for Medical tourism as the unpolluted and excellent environs give many opportunities to patients to recover from their illness.

Patients Testimonial:

Mr.Mekonen - Ethiopia Colon Cancer Surgery in India

I was very shocked that I can suffer from such a big disease like cancer. I was very much worried also but my family doctor made me at ease. He suggested me to fly to India for further treatment as Ethiopia lacks latest technologies and equipments. I flew to India with my brother. We both were very much worried about all the arrangements but thanks to forerunners consultants for making everything available to our finger tips. We were received by the forerunners consultants at the airport. He took us directly to the hospital and there I met with the surgeon. He was very fantastic person. I had a pleasant time during my colon cancer surgery by the best surgeons at hospitals of Delhi in India. Nurses and staff were very nice, sociable and considerate of my queries I had. They also take nice care of my brother who came with me. They always made sure that he was okay and looked after him and kept him informed while I was in the recovery room. I made friends with majority of the people as I felt comfortable and at ease,. Whenever I was nervous, I made them aware of this and they immediately made me feel comfortable again. They all spoke good English so communication was not a problem. The housekeeping did a excellent job and kept everything spic and span. Many thanks to everyone in the organization and to the people back home who introduced me to these people and hospital. It was my pleasure to have my surgery with the best colon cancer surgeons at hospitals of Bangalore in India, I am very much thankful to the nurses and team for giving such nice private health care to foreign patients; who came to totally new atmosphere. He has done a good job on me. One thing for sure I would recommend forerunners consultant to anyone considering surgery abroad and would definitely come again. Take care and God bless.

Mr. Ewansiha Nigeria Colon Cancer Surgery in India

I am Eswansiha. I was very much shocked when my family doctor diagnosed me of having colon cancer. I was having sense of fullness all the time even I didnt eat. So, I was disturbed of it. I concerned to my family doctor. He after taking all the tests diagnosed me of having colon cancer. I was totally blank when I knew this. The big problem with me was that I was uninsured. This was a very critical problem for me. I was in search of healthy option. My friend told me about forerunners consultants in India. They were offering quality service at affordable prices which was within my means. I searched their website on net and collected all the necessary infos related to them. I contacted to them and talked with the director of the company. He was very nice person. He explained me everything very nicely. So, I decided to fly to India for my colectomy with ileostomy surgery at hospitals of Delhi in India. I was received at the airport by the forerunner consultant. I was then taken to the hospital where I met with the surgeon. I was very much impressed by the services provided by the forerunners consultant. The facilities were plush, the staff members were extremely friendly, the food (in the cafeteria) was delicious, and all the doctors with whom I spoke were fluent in English. Therefore language was not at all barrier. The whole staff was also well known with the English language. The surgeon informed me of reasonable expectations, possible complications, lifestyle changes, and a host of other important pre-op concerns that every patient would have wanted to discuss. During my colectomy with ileostomy surgery at hospitals of Delhi in India, I was very much worried but the whole staff made me at ease.Everything gone very well. After my colectomy with ileostomy surgery at hospitals of Delhi in India, I went to Agra for holiday tour. I am very much thankful to Forerunners Health care and his team for all the precious care and support!

Knee Replacement Surgery in India

Knee replacement surgery also known as knee arthroplasty is procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. It may be performed for other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The procedure has been proven to help individuals return back to moderately challenging activities such as golf, bicycling, and swimming. Total knees are not designed for jogging, or sports like tennis and skiing (although there certainly are people with total knee replacements that participate in such sports). Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had Total Knee Replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function.

Knee Replacement Surgery Candidates A person would be considered a candidate for knee replacement if there is: Daily pain The pain is severe enough to restrict work, recreation and ordinary activities of daily living Significant stiffness in the knee Significant instability (constant giving way) of the knee Significant deformity (knock-knees or bow-legs) that hinders normal function of the knee Damage from arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis

Success Rate of Knee Replacement Surgery: Knee replacement surgery is recognized as a miracle of modern surgery. Most orthopedic experts consider replacement to be the best method of handling arthritis in the knee. Knee replacements have literally put hundreds of thousands of Americans back on their feet and allowed them to enjoy their golden years.

Knee Replacement Surgery Preparations: If you smoke, cut down or quit. Smoking changes blood flow patterns, delays healing and slows recovery. If you drink, don't have any alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery. Ask your doctor for pre-surgical exercises. If you are having hip or knee replacement surgery, doing exercises to strengthen your upper body will help you cope with crutches or a walker after surgery. Your primary care physician or an internist will conduct a general medical evaluation several weeks before surgery. This examination will assess your health and your risk for anesthesia. The results of this examination should be forwarded to your orthopaedic surgeon, along with a surgical clearance. Shortly before your scheduled surgery, you will probably have an orthopedic examination to review the procedure and answer any last-minute questions. You may need to take several types of tests, including blood tests, a cardiogram, a urine sample and a chest X-ray. Advice your surgeon of any medical conditions you have and of all the medications you are taking. You may need to stop taking certain medications or your surgeon may recommend substitute medications until your surgery. Medications such as corticosteroids, insulin or anti-coagulants will need to be managed before and after surgery.