Performing a total hip arthroplasty as a day-case admission, that is without an overnight stay in hospital, has been an increasing trend internationally in recent years. It is applied mainly in younger patients, without serious coexisting conditions and in better general health.
Questions nevertheless remain as to whether this practice puts patients at risk. A recent study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty, from the University of Iowa, investigated a possible increase in early complications in these patients.
The researchers studied complications 30 days after the operation in patients admitted as day cases, for one to 2 days and for more than 3 days. They identified every complication, problems with the surgical wound, readmissions and reoperation, and analysed the results statistically.
In all, 4813 patients were included as day cases, 84,627 with a stay of one to 2 days and 42,293 with a stay of more than 3 days. It was noted that the day-case group consisted of younger patients, with no health problems and of lower body weight.
The authors concluded that day-case patients were less likely to be readmitted or to have complications than those who stayed one to 2 days. Even so, admission after a total hip arthroplasty remains a recognised and well-established practice in such patients.
Source: "The Journal of Arthroplasty", February 2022