A new study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty examines the adverse event rate for outpatient total hip replacements.
The study covers 145 outpatient total hip replacements performed on 125 patients by a single surgeon at two separate ASCs. About half of the procedures were considered initial procedures and the other half were later procedures. Study authors found:
1. One patient, 0.7 percent, required transfer out of the ASC for a blood transfusion.
2. Beyond the single patient who required a blood transfusion in the hospital, there weren't any other direct admissions to the hospital or transfers to the emergency department.
3. Within 90 days of surgery, 2 percent of the patients required additional surgical intervention.
4. Two patients reported deep infections while one had a superficial infection and another reported a periprosthetic fracture.
5. Study authors concluded "same-day discharge to home following THA can be safely done without increased complications, readmissions, reoperations or emergency room visits."