Outpatient surgery offers a convenient option for some joint replacement patients
It wasn’t that long ago that joint replacement patients typically spent up to three days in the hospital after their surgery to recover. With advancements in technology, anesthesia, pain control and physical therapy, many patients now have the option to go home the same day as their procedure. “We’ve had a lot of data in a short amount of time showing it can be done safely,” says Dr. Craig Morrison, an orthopedic surgeon with Southern Joint Replacement Institute.
Dr. Morrison says the transition to outpatient surgery started with improvements in areas that typically kept people in the hospital overnight. “Advancements in anesthesia techniques, multimodal pain protocol and nerve blocks help keep patients comfortable so they don’t have to stay in the hospital for pain control.” Dr. Morrison adds that physical therapy protocols have also been adapted, so that patients can feel comfortable going home the same day.
“For several years, we have routinely had patients up walking the day of surgery, learning how to safely navigate stairs and car transfer,” says Dr. Morrison. Education and preparation before surgery are a big reason that outpatient joint replacement is successful since patients and their families know what to expect. In addition, patients work with nurse navigators to set up everything they need at home, including medication, walkers and canes. Navigators also follow-up with patients to ensure the transfer to the home environment is smooth.
While outpatient joint replacement surgery has been around for many years, it has become a more popular option since 2020. “The pandemic accelerated outpatient surgery because there was a need in health care. Patients wanted to have their procedures done and not stay in the hospital,” said Dr. Morrison. Many patients also enjoy the efficiency of surgery centers because parking and registration are much easier. “There is not a difference in outcomes between inpatient and outpatient. We are not finding any difference in complication rates or readmission to the hospital,” said Dr. Morrison.
Dr. Morrison emphasizes that the expectations do not change whether they are in a hospital or outpatient environment. The outcomes are similar because the processes are the same. The same techniques and technologies we are using in a surgery center are the same as the hospital because that’s what is best for the patient. The goal of the entire team is to provide the highest quality care no matter what surgical environment the patient chooses. “It is truly a team effort. Our commitment is to the safety of our patients, while ensuring they are prepared with everything they need to have a successful recovery,” said Dr. Morrison.
There are several factors that physicians consider before recommending an outpatient joint replacement. The first is the patient’s overall medical health, screening for health issues that may need to be monitored by medical teams in the hospital. Patients also need to have family, friends or neighbors who can help in the days following the surgery once they are home. A strong support system is important to help with day-to-day activities like cooking, cleaning, and transportation.
If you are considering a joint replacement surgery, Dr. Morrison will help you determine if outpatient surgery is an option based on your preferences and medical history. He currently performs out patient hip, knee, and shoulder replacement at Southern Joint Surgery Center, Brentwood Surgery Center, and Centennial Hospital. If you would like to schedule appointment with Dr. Morrison in Nashville or Brentwood call 615-342-0038.
