Some patients getting elective knee surgery at Pembroke Regional Hospital can now forego the hospital stay.
Same-day surgery and discharge is now available for patients meeting specific criteria after a trail implementation that started last August.
Dr. Chris de Jesus, the lead orthopaedic surgeon for the initiative, says his working group of PRH team members worked closely with the surgical team from Queensway-Carleton Hospital to adopt protocols and guidelines needed to implement it.
He notes they can now better address pain, minimize blood loss, and improve mobility for joint replacement patients soon after surgeries are completed.
Over 25 patients requiring partial or total knee replacements took part in the initial trial and had successful outcomes after being discharged to home the same day of their surgery.
Patients who qualify for Same Day Discharge will be assessed by physiotherapy and released with the same pain medications as they would get during a hospital stay if they’re physically able.
They’ll also follow up with staff while resting at home, with follow up appointments with their surgeon later into the recovery.
(written by Kasey Egan)
