Undergoing robotic knee surgery in Sydney can feel daunting if you’re unsure what the day actually involves. This guide walks you through the full sequence, from hospital arrival to early recovery, with clear, honest detail at each stage. Whether your procedure involves the Mako SmartRobotics™ system (which uses a pre-operative CT scan) or the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution (which creates a model during surgery), this is what the day typically looks like in a Sydney private hospital setting.
Before You Arrive: Quick Recap of What to Know
The day begins before you leave home. Most patients are asked to fast (no food or drink) for at least six hours prior, often from midnight if surgery is scheduled for the morning. This reduces the risk of complications during anaesthesia.
Double-check the following before leaving:
- Your hospital arrival time and entry point (e.g. main reception, day surgery, or pre-admission desk)
- Your packing list, including ID, Medicare card, private health insurance details, and a current list of medications
- Whether a support person is available to assist with transport or help you get home safely
- Whether you’ve followed any pre-op skin cleansing instructions (such as using hospital-supplied antiseptic wash the night before or morning of surgery)
This step ensures you arrive calm, prepared, and well-informed; not rushed or uncertain. For additional guidance on getting ready, especially if you want to feel confident about each stage, you may find it helpful to review practical tips on knee surgery preparation.
Step 1 – Hospital check-in and pre-op admission
When you arrive, you’ll check in at admissions, where your details and procedure will be confirmed. You’ll receive a hospital ID bracelet, which is used throughout the day to ensure safe verification at every step.
Next, you’ll be taken to a pre-operative unit. This is a monitored space where the surgical team begins preparations. It’s also where any final paperwork is completed, medications are reviewed, and consent is reconfirmed. This phase may feel quiet or slow. That’s intentional, as it allows the surgical schedule to stay safe, measured, and flexible.
Step 2 – Meeting your surgical and anaesthetic team
In this step, you’ll meet three core members of your care team:
- A pre-op nurse will take observations (e.g. blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels) and confirm your medication history and allergies.
- Your anaesthetist will discuss whether you’ll be having spinal anaesthesia (commonly used for knee surgery) or general anaesthesia. They’ll also explain your pain management plan post-operatively.
- Your surgeon, Dr Jonathan Negus or another qualified knee specialist in Sydney, will personally mark your leg to confirm the surgical side. This is a standard safety procedure in Australian hospitals.
You can also raise any final concerns during this stage, whether about recovery, mobility, anaesthesia, or medication. Your care team is focused on you, working together throughout the process.
Step 3 – Changing into a gown and theatre preparation
Once your pre-op checks are done, you’ll change into a hospital gown and take off any personal items (like glasses, dentures, jewellery, or hearing aids). These are either stored securely or returned to your support person.
A nurse will place a small IV cannula, usually in your forearm or hand. This is used to administer fluids, antibiotics, and medications. Some patients may receive pre-op medications here, such as an initial antibiotic dose, a sedative, or anti-nausea treatment, depending on your surgical and anaesthetic plan.
Your identity, records, and imaging are also re-confirmed against the surgical chart and robotic platform setup at this stage.
Step 4 – Going into the theatre for robotic knee surgery
When your theatre is ready, you’ll be wheeled in on a hospital bed. The operating room is highly controlled, and the robotic system will already be prepared. The surgical team performs one final “time-out”, a safety check that confirms your name, consent, procedure, and the correct leg.
Here’s what happens inside:
- Anaesthesia is administered using either spinal with sedation or general, depending on your plan
- Your leg is re-cleansed and covered in sterile drapes
- The robotic system (Mako or VELYS) is calibrated and engaged. Mako uses a 3D plan from your CT scan; VELYS builds a model during surgery based on your unique anatomy
The robotic arm doesn’t operate on its own. Your orthopaedic knee surgeon remains in control throughout, using the system to guide bone preparation, implant alignment, and precision cuts. If you’re curious about the technology behind this step, you can learn more about how robotic knee surgery works and how these systems are used to support surgical accuracy.
A robotic total knee replacement typically takes 60–120 minutes. Partial procedures may be shorter.
Step 5 – Waking up in recovery
After surgery, you’ll wake in a post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), commonly called the recovery room. You’ll be monitored closely by nursing staff who focus on:
- Checking vital signs and airway stability
- Monitoring return of leg sensation if spinal anaesthesia was used
- Managing pain using IV or oral medications
- Inspecting your surgical site and ensuring your dressing is secure
- Preventing early nausea or cold sensations with medications or warming blankets
You may feel drowsy, chilled, or briefly disoriented. This is expected. Nurses will keep you comfortable and answer any questions once you’re alert.
Recovery time varies, but most patients remain here for 1–2 hours before returning to the ward.
Step 6 – Back in the ward: first hours after surgery
Once stable, you’ll return to your room or post-operative ward bed. The focus here is on early monitoring and setting a safe foundation for recovery.
You may have:
- Ongoing IV fluids for hydration
- Compression pumps or stockings to reduce clot risk
- A urinary catheter if one was placed during surgery
- Regular pain medication at scheduled intervals
- Support for basic leg movement, such as ankle pumps or simple isometric exercises guided by nursing staff
This isn’t the time for full walking yet. It’s about making sure your body is stable, your pain is manageable, and your vitals are consistently monitored.
Step 7 – Physio checks and mobility assessment
Physiotherapy typically begins within 12–24 hours after surgery. A physiotherapist will work with you to safely assess movement, build confidence, and reduce the risk of complications from immobility.
This session may include:
- Sitting upright and adjusting your position
- Assisted standing using a frame or crutches
- Early walking in the corridor or bedside area (as tolerated)
- Teaching safe ways to move, transfer, and position your knee without strain
Robotic-assisted techniques may allow for improved joint balance and alignment, but every patient’s mobility plan is tailored based on strength, comfort, and safety.
Step 8 – What to expect before going home
Discharge is only approved when several safety checks are met, including:
- Independent or supported walking (typically with a frame or crutches)
- Ability to get in and out of bed or a chair safely
- Stable vital signs and manageable pain using oral medication
- No red flags such as excessive bleeding, fever, or dizziness
- A clear plan for home support (e.g. someone to help with mobility, meals, wound care)
Before discharge, you’ll also receive:
- A printed wound care guide
- A list of medications with clear instructions
- Physiotherapy exercises to continue at home
- Emergency contact details for concerns after discharge
- A follow-up appointment with Dr Negus or your surgical team
Patients undergoing robotic total knee replacement usually stay 1–2 nights in the hospital. Some partial procedures may qualify for same-day discharge, depending on individual circumstances.
Next Steps If You’re Planning Robotic Knee Surgery
If you’re considering robotic knee surgery in Sydney and want to better understand your options, booking a consultation can help clarify your next steps.
Dr Jonathan Negus offers both Mako SmartRobotics™ and VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution knee surgery in Sydney, with no additional cost for robotic procedures in his practice.
During your appointment, you can explore each robotic-assisted option in detail and discuss how these technologies could align with your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I eat or drink after robotic knee surgery?
Most patients are allowed to start drinking fluids once they’re fully awake and nausea is under control. A light meal may be offered later in the day, depending on your recovery progress and anaesthetic type. Your care team will let you know when it’s okay to start eating and drinking again.
2. Will I have drains or tubes after the surgery?
Some patients may wake up with a small wound drain or a urinary catheter, but this depends on your surgical plan and individual medical needs. These are usually removed within 24 hours, if used. Not all robotic knee surgeries require drains.
3. What kind of pain should I expect immediately after surgery?
You may feel a dull ache or tightness around the knee as the anaesthetic wears off. Pain is actively managed with oral and/or IV medications. Many patients are surprised that pain is often quite manageable within the first day, especially with modern anaesthesia techniques.
4. Will I see my surgeon again before I go home?
Yes. Your orthopaedic surgeon will usually check on you after the procedure or the next morning, depending on timing. This review helps confirm your recovery progress and readiness for discharge. Patients under Dr Negus’ care can expect direct, post-operative contact before leaving the hospital.
5. How soon should I book my consultation if I’m considering surgery?
It’s recommended to book a consultation as soon as you feel ready to explore your treatment options. This allows time to review imaging, discuss suitability for robotic-assisted surgery, and understand your recovery timeline. Dr Negus welcomes both second opinions and first-time consultations at his Sydney practice.
