Outpatient surgery isn't the best option for certain patients, orthopedic surgeon Matt Bernard, MD, explained in a Times Free Press article.
Dr. Bernard practices at Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics and is a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Three characteristics that disqualify patients as outpatient candidates, according to Dr. Bernard:
1. Inability to manage recovery independently
2. Tendency to get anxious about surgical procedures
3. Other health issues requiring assistance
Surgeons should meet with patients and evaluate their level of motivation to determine whether outpatient THA is the best option, Dr. Bernard said.