FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our procedures, recovery process, costs, and more to help you prepare for your journey with Dr. Adam Hart’s expert care.
How long will I stay at the surgery centre?
Our surgery centre comprises two operating rooms, a recovery room, and a covalence centre. We usually keep patients for two days and two nights as follows:
Day 1: Following surgery, patients will start physical therapy and walking in the recovery room. Patients spend the first night in the recovery room under monitored observation.
Day 2: The morning after surgery, Dr Hart will see all his patients before they are transferred to the convalescence centre which is located in the same building (two levels up from the surgery centre). Patients have a small private room and spend the day working on their mobility with our physical therapy team, practicing stairs, and ensuring their pain is well managed.
Take a tour of our convalescence centre
Day 3: Patients are discharged at 7am (to accommodate the next group of patients). Dr Hart visits all his patients before discharge to ensure they are doing well and that all their questions are answered.
Can I be discharged on the same day as surgery?
Patients who prefer to be discharged on the day of surgery or next day may certainly do so and will be credited accordingly (if booked as day surgery in advance). Nonetheless, we feel it is advantageous to stay with us for the two days and nights to benefit from our team of nurses, physical therapists, and Dr Hart. Patients who are travelling from out of province or undergoing bilateral procedures are required to stay for two days and nights.
Is there a follow-up visit after surgery?
We will arrange a 6-8 week follow-up with Dr Hart to assess your recovery and ensure you are doing well. There is no fee for this visit. Normally, this is an in-person appointment at our clinic with x-rays performed at Radimed. However, patients who are living further away (>2h) may opt to do the follow-up by phone (x-ray images will need to be sent to us in advance if done outside of Quebec). We will make every effort to move your follow-up visit in the event you need to see Dr Hart earlier (or later) than the proposed date. Subsequent visits are rarely required and on an as needed basis (fees may apply).
What do I do if there are questions or concerns following my surgery?
A swift and complete recovery following surgery is our utmost priority. Each patient is paired with a nurse who performs a pre-operative assessment by phone and helps prepare for surgery. Patients may contact the same nurse by phone or email with any questions or concerns following surgery until they have their follow-up appointment with Dr Hart. Moreover, in the event there is a major concern, patients can email Dr Hart directly who typically responds within the day. Patients who are booked through Gateway Surgery should contact the Gateway Post-op Line. For emergencies, patients should call 911.
What type of anesthesia will I have?
The vast majority of patients will receive a regional (spinal) anesthesia which provides complete freezing below the waist level during surgery. A deep sedation is provided during the surgery so that the patient is typically sleeping and unconscious during surgery. A general anesthesia is sometimes required. Details of the anesthetic plan are discussed with each patient during their pre-operative consultation with one of our anesthetists and is tailored to the needs and preferences of each patient.
How will my pain be managed after surgery?
We have developed a multimodal pain management plan to ensure patients can mobilize and recover quickly following joint replacement surgery. Dr Hart uses pre-operative surgical planning to determine the best implant type and geometry to restore each patients anatomy and function while minimizing trauma to the soft tissues and muscles. During the surgery, Dr Hart applies local anesthetic to help reduce post-operative pain. Knee replacements receive an additional regional (adductor canal) nerve block which significantly reduces pain in the first 24 hours. After surgery, we tailor a pain control regiment for each patient that generally comprises regular icing, Tylenol, and Celebrex (level 1). Breakthrough pain is managed with Tramadol (level 2) and a small dose of opioid (level 3) only if needed.
How much does a joint replacement cost?
A private unilateral (one side) hip or knee replacement surgery costs approximately 20-27k depending on the implants being used, the complexity of the case, and the indented length-of-stay. There is no sales tax on medical expenses. Following consultation with Dr Hart, our team will provide you will a detailed estimate for your surgery.
What is Gateway Surgery?
Dr Hart works in close collaboration with Gateway Surgery for patients who are travelling from outside of Quebec. Gateway coordinates every aspect of the surgery from start to finish. Patients start with an in-person consultation with a collaborating surgeon in their local town who will assess their suitability for surgery with Dr Hart in Montreal. They will also ensure a follow-up after surgery. Gateway helps patients book travel and has a post-operative nursing line following surgery. Patients interested in booking surgery through Gateway can contact them directly at Visit Gateway Surgery Clinic
Traveling after surgery?
Patients can return home by car or plane upon discharge from our surgery centre. A medical clearance note is provided. Note that Air Canada requires a special form to be sent after surgery (link below) and recommends travelling 3 or more days after surgery. If travelling on Air Canada, please complete the form below with your travel information, print it, and give it to the nursing team at the time of your surgery. We will help you complete and submit it before your trip back home.
