Robotic surgery
Replacement of both knees at the same time
Robotic total replacement of both knees in one operation: one preparation, one anaesthetic, one hospital stay and one recovery period, for patients with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees.
- One operation
- Walking on the same day
- Discharge on day 3
Two knees, one operation
Patients with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees often wonder whether both can be operated on the same day. Two consecutive operations mean two preparations, two anaesthetics, two hospital stays and two recovery periods, with twice as much time away from work and everyday activities.
Today, when the right conditions are met, simultaneous total replacement of both knees in a single operation is the treatment of choice for most patients with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees. Marios Salmas and his surgical team specialise in this operation.
Advantages of simultaneous replacement
- One preparation and one anaesthetic
- One operation and one hospital stay
- One recovery, with half the physiotherapy sessions
- Lower overall risk of complications
- Half the time off work
- Lower overall cost
A more demanding operation
Simultaneous replacement of both knees is more demanding than replacing a single knee. The result must be excellent in both, otherwise the patient will not be able to recover smoothly. That is why every step, from patient selection and planning to anaesthesia, surgical technique and post-operative follow-up, is carried out with particular care.
The operation combines the most modern techniques: robotic technology, a minimally traumatic approach and a specialised anaesthesia and rehabilitation protocol. To be successful and safe, it requires an organised team with extensive experience in joint replacement.
The team
- Surgical teamLed by Marios Salmas, with experienced assistant surgeons who have many years of experience in knee replacement using robotic technology and minimally traumatic approaches.
- Anaesthesia teamLed by anaesthetist Markos Pachoundakis, who has extensive experience in modern anaesthesia and pain management techniques for knee replacement.
- Physiotherapy teamLed by physiotherapist Thanasis Samouridis, for immediate and correct mobilisation from the first day.
The contribution of the scrub nurse, the operating theatre staff and the nursing staff is also important.
The treatment protocol
- Patient selectionAssessment of the patient’s age, other health conditions and home environment, so that the double replacement is safe.
- Detailed preparationFull pre-operative work-up and a CT scan of the legs. Based on this, the operation is simulated in the robot’s software the day before.
- AnaesthesiaThe patient feels nothing during the operation. With an epidural pump, pain is also controlled during the first post-operative days.
- Surgical techniqueSmall incisions, no cutting of the quadriceps tendon, short operating times, robotic preparation of the bone, choice of the prosthesis that best suits the patient, medication to limit bleeding and, where possible, no drains.
- Hospital staySystematic monitoring, daily physiotherapy and mobilisation from the same day.
- Remote follow-upAfter discharge, the doctor also monitors wound healing and knee movement via mobile phone, which is very helpful for patients from outside Athens or abroad.
Learn more about the technique: Robotic knee replacement with TSolution One® →
What to expect after the operation
- Day of surgeryIn the afternoon, walking with the help of a walking frame.
- 1st post-operative dayWalking without a walking frame and almost full range of motion in the knees.
- Day 2Going up and down stairs without help.
- Day 3Discharge. From the first day at home the patient can look after themselves.
- First weeks3 physiotherapy sessions at the clinic and 5–10 at home.
- 20 daysRemoval of stitches.
- 20–30 daysDriving.
- 30 daysReturn to work.
During the hospital stay pain is minimal or absent. In the first days at home some patients have mild pain, which is easily controlled with painkillers. The technique and protocol are applied with very good results in overweight patients too.
The doctor will examine your case and recommend the right treatment.
Request an appointment210 7793103Frequently asked questions
Replacement of both knees: frequently asked questions
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Call us on 210 7793103.
Which patients can have both knees operated on at the same time?
Most patients with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees, provided their general health allows it. The decision is made after a full pre-operative work-up, which assesses age and other health conditions.
Is it riskier than two separate operations?
In carefully selected patients, with an experienced team and a modern protocol, simultaneous replacement is safe. With one anaesthetic and one hospital stay, the overall risk is in fact lower than that of two consecutive operations.
How long does the operation take?
The patient stays in the operating theatre for about four hours, including preparation and anaesthesia.
When will I walk?
On the afternoon of the same day with a walking frame, and the next day unaided.
How many days will I stay in hospital?
Usually three days. From the first day at home the patient can look after themselves.
When can I drive and return to work?
Driving is usually possible after 20–30 days and return to work after about 30 days, depending on the type of work.
Can it be done in overweight patients?
Yes. The technique and protocol we use are applied with very good results in overweight patients too.
Patient cases
Patients with replacement of both knees
Robotic replacement of both knees – 2nd day after surgery
Robotic total replacement of both knees — 1 day later
Range of motion immediately after surgery
Both knees in an 80-year-old patient — 20 days later
Robotic total replacement of both knees — 6 months later
Simultaneous robotic knee replacement — one year later
Simultaneous robotic replacement in a patient from Germany
No tendons cut — 50 days later
Replacement of one knee and revision of the other in one operation
Patient testimonials
What our patients say
“I had both knees operated on at the same time. I got up the same day and left the clinic on the third day, walking without help. After 6 months I have got my life back. The pain is a thing of the past.”
“My mother had both knees operated on. She was afraid because of her extra weight and breathing problems, but Prof. Salmas was reassuring from the start. She walked that same evening and climbed stairs on the 3rd day.”
“2 months ago I had surgery on both knees. Everything happened just as the doctor had explained it to us. Today I am in excellent shape and I have gone back to work. My colleagues were amazed at the result.”
Appointment
Do both your knees hurt?
Book an appointment for an assessment. The doctor will consider whether simultaneous replacement is the right and safe solution for you.