Total hip replacement is considered one of the most successful operations ever invented. It was called the “Operation of the Century” by the Lancet due to the tremendous pain relief it affords, it’s safety and reproducibility, as well as the incredible functional improvements patients enjoy. Total hip replacement is now performed over 300,000 times annually in the US. It offers almost total relief to patients suffering from a number of arthritis, fracture or avascular necrosis.
Numerous advancements in the care for patients undergoing hip replacement have made it possible to dramatically shorten the length of stay and, for selected patient, to safely offer hip replacement as an out-patient surgery. Out-patient hip replacement can offer significant benefits for the patient. By avoiding the hospital stay, the patient minimizes the hospital-acquired infection risk, mobilizes quickly in the familiarity of their own home and typically sees a dramatic cost savings.
Outpatient Advantages
- Faster recovery
- Avoids risk of hospital-acquired complications
- Recovery in the safety and familiarity of your own home
- Substantial cost savings
Who is an outpatient candidate?
Outpatient total hip replacement can be considered for healthy, motivated patients with a good social support network. Only after a through history, physical exam and review of imaging can you and Dr. Melvin determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
How is outpatient hip replacement possible?
Outpatient hip replacement is possible through numerous technical improvements refined over the last 30+ years.
- Multi-modal pain management has greatly improved post-operative pain control while minimizing medication side-effects.
- The anterior approach has allowed for early mobilization, improved strength and eliminated hip precautions.
- Advances in blood management have greatly reduced operative blood loss and nearly eliminated the risk of transfusion for healthy patients.
- An emphasis on patient education and active participation by the patient and their support network in the surgery. preparation and recovery has improved outcomes.
- Adapting recovery resources to the home or outpatient setting has led to greater patient independence.
- Technological improvements in communication between the patient and surgeon’s team.
Risks
The risks of out-patient total hip replacement are similar to the in-patient procedure. The possible complications after out-patient total hip replacement can include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Leg length inequality
- Hip prosthesis may wear out
- Failure to relieve pain
- Scar formation
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Heart attack, stroke, blood clot, death.
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Is Outpatient Hip Replacement Right for You?
If you’re considering hip replacement surgery, your doctor may give you the option to have outpatient surgery. Outpatient surgery, also called same-day surgery, refers to surgery that does not require you to be admitted to a hospital. Most likely, you will be discharged home on the same calendar day as your hip replacement; in some instances, you may spend an over-night in the hospital or surgical center without being officially admitted to a hospital.