What is outpatient joint replacement?
Outpatient joint replacement is the newest iteration of joint replacement surgery. When you go in for outpatient joint replacement, you have surgery early in the morning, receive a pain-blocking shot before lunchtime, and start physical therapy in the afternoon.
What are the advantages of outpatient joint replacement?
Outpatient joint replacement offers eligible patients a number of attractive advantages, including:
Lower infection risk
At the hospital, you face potentially daily exposure to sick people. So, it’s much easier to pick up an infection there, either at your surgery site or elsewhere, when you spend more time in the hospital.
Less pain
Surgeons typically control pain after inpatient operations using regular doses of IV pain killers. In contrast, after outpatient joint replacement, you have other options to help control pain and get you up and moving sooner.
More comfortable recovery
Your home is familiar, comfortable, and free from the constant chaos of staff, patients, and visitors talking and walking around. The ease and comfort of hotel accommodations and then home makes recovery much more pleasant.
Better physical therapy
When you have outpatient surgery, your physical therapy team starts working with you the same day or shortly after you get home. Their approach is more aggressive and comprehensive, and in the end, gets you back on your feet more quickly.
Having joint replacement surgery can be a very stressful experience, but there are ways you can prepare.
How can I prepare for total joint replacement surgery?
Planning ahead for your joint replacement surgery can improve the success of your surgery and help you recover faster. Be sure to ask questions and address any fears or anxieties you may have.
Here are some steps to follow to prepare for your surgery:
- Schedule your surgery, post-operative exam, and any physical therapy appointments, if needed
- Complete your pre-operative exam
- Schedule time off of work
- Begin your hip or knee exercises
- Confirm your health insurance coverage
- Watch the joint replacement educational video. Click here
- Apply for a Disability Parking Certificate, if needed
- Complete any necessary dental care
- Prepare a healthcare directive
- Learn about adaptive equipment
- Prepare your home for your return after surgery
It is important for you to play an active role in your recovery after surgery. Be sure to ask for help and let your nurse know how you are doing. If there is anything you do not understand, ask questions.
What are types of joint replacement surgeries?
We will offer various types of total joint replacement surgeries including:
- Knee replacement
- Shoulder replacement
- Ankle replacement
- Small and medium joint replacement
Advantages of the program include:
- Reduced cost compared to an overnight stay in a hospital
- A comfortable environment without the noise and foot traffic common to hospitals
- Nursing care on-site for the duration of your stay.
- Someone to stay with you at the hotel
- Convenient location
The location of the hotel is Delta Hotels by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront at 385 E 4th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776.
Is outpatient joint replacement right for me?
Outpatient joint replacement is a great option for otherwise healthy individuals who have a good support system at home. A good support system includes family and/or friends who are:
- Educated on the requirements of your at-home care
- Aware of potential postoperative complications and what they look like
- Committed to helping you with your recovery
It’s very important that before surgery, you establish who will be your primary at-home care provider. You should also set up a care schedule, and make sure that your caregivers have an open line of communication with your health care team so that they can keep them up to date.
Who is eligible for the program?
This program is available for patients who are healthy. Individuals with acute or significant heart disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, uncontrolled sleep apnea or a body mass index (BMI) over 40 may not qualify for the program.
