Westmoreland, N.Y.-based Apex Surgical Center became the first ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in N.Y. state to perform a same-day total knee replacement. A same-day total joint replacement (TJR) is defined as a patient recovering in the comfort of their home on the same day as the surgery. On Friday Dec. 1, Dr. Andrew Wickline, the No. 1 ranked total knee and hip surgeon by volume in N.Y. state performed the first same day total joint at Apex, located in the Mohawk Valley west of Utica. Dr. Wickline has spent the last several years developing and perfecting a same day total joint replacement program, utilizing the SwiftPath method, a “comprehensive program using proven methods to achieve superior results in joint replacement."
“Total joint replacements have historically been performed in hospitals where the patient would traditional stay one to two nights. However, in the last five years, less invasive surgical methods, better pain control, and a high degree of patient education and engagement have allowed total joint surgeons like Dr. Wickline and their care teams to offer patients the option to have the joint replacement in the morning and go home the same day to recover in the comfort of their home,” Geoffrey Smith, MBA, CEO of Apex Surgical Center, said.
Mr. Smith stated, “Dr. Wickline has not only implemented nationally recognized SwiftPath methods, he has been instrumental in developing and perfecting many of the methods used today including patient self-directed physical therapy and a tourniquet free total knee replacement. Patients are not the only ones benefiting from this new care model. The health system and insurance carriers are benefiting from a significant decrease in costs.
Not all patients are candidates. The candidate for a same day total joint replacement needs to meet well defined preoperative surgical criteria that focus not only on the health of the patient, but also on social factors like the candidate having adequate support from a loved one at home.
Apex Surgery Center and Dr. Wickline have worked for two years to reach this point. The Apex Total Joint Team strived to ensure that the execution was flawless. Dr. Wickline will be performing his first same day total hip replacement in January 2018. The center anticipates this program growing rapidly in 2018 offering patients a cutting edge option for their total joint replacement.
Apex Surgery Center is also developing a Spine Surgery Program. "We have already performed successful spine surgeries and will expand our capabilities to include more surgical options for patients needing spine care. Apex currently performs over 3,600 surgeries and procedures annually including orthopaedic, plastic, pain, urology and podiatry.
Contact information-Geoffrey Smith MBA, CEO Apex Surgery Center (315) 801-5060
www.apexsurgery.com