Knee surgery patients could be in and out of hospital in a day following a first of its kind Northern Ireland trial.
Surgeons in the Southern Trust offered the ‘day case’ option to 12 patients who needed only part of their joint replaced.
And today they were celebrating the initiative’s success.
Orthopaedic consultant Mr Gavin McLean said: “If your knee is showing wear in only one compartment, you may be a candidate for partial knee replacement.
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“Because this is less invasive, patients can be safely discharged on the day of surgery with many benefits such as reduced anaesthetic time, reduced post-operative pain, reduced complications and earlier return to function.
“We are delighted to be the first Trust in Northern Ireland to pilot unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) as a day case and are thrilled with the response from our patients who have reported high levels of satisfaction.”
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The 12-patient trial was carried out by a multidisciplinary team who mapped their journey from the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic to Surgery check-in and then Post-Operative follow up.
Southern Trust acting head of trauma & orthopaedics, Mr Paul Smyth, added: “Following the success of this trial we will continue offering this service in order to deliver the highest standards of care to our patients undergoing knee surgery.
“As well as the benefits to patients, the Trust was able to avoid unnecessary hospital stay as inpatients, which led to reduced bed occupancy.”
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