@cindiwass, Normally anesthesia options are discussed with the patient prior to the surgery. I haven't had a hip replacement but when I had my knee replacement, my surgeon explained the process with me at a consult and then the day of the knee replacement, I met with the anesthesiologist just before the surgery and he discussed what the plan was. Here are a couple of articles on the topic but any real questions you have should be directed to your surgeon or care team.

"Before your joint replacement surgery, your doctor will discuss anesthesia with you. The selection of anesthesia is a major decision that could have a significant impact on your recovery. It deserves careful consideration and discussion with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist."
--- Anesthesia for Hip and Knee Surgery: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/anesthesia-for-hip-and-knee-surgery/

"Is spinal or general anesthesia better for total hip arthroplasty?
Despite its single-center design, this study suggests that spinal anesthesia offers advantages over general anesthesia for primary THA, such as better pain control and fewer postoperative complications."
--- Spinal or General Anesthesia for Total Hip Arthroplasty: https://www.jwatch.org/na55394/2022/10/18/spinal-or-general-anesthesia-total-hip-arthroplasty