Randy Venanzi underwent replacement surgery for both knees at Uniontown, Pa.-based Elite Surgery Center and discussed his positive experience with the Herald-Standard.
What you should know:
1. David Sheba, DO, of Uniontown-based Sheba Orthopedic Surgeons reportedly told Mr. Venanzi he was an ideal candidate for outpatient surgery.
2. The patient agreed to undergo the procedure because of Elite Surgery Center's relatively new facility, its low infection rate and the ability to recover at home.
3. Before surgery, Mr. Venanzi met the anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist and other providers who would be involved in the procedure.
"I was very satisfied with the way Dr. Sheba treated me," Mr. Venanzi said. "He took his time to explain what would be happening during surgery."
4. Mr. Venanzi had his left knee replaced in early 2018 and returned for replacement surgery on his right knee in the fall.
5. Following the surgery, Mr. Venanzi's care team ensured he could walk a certain distance without too much pain. He reported feeling no pain after receiving a 30-hour nerve block.
6. A physical therapist and a nurse met him at home after the procedure and visited every other day for two weeks.
"There really were no drawbacks to the outpatient surgeries," Mr. Venanzi said. "The physical therapy was tough at times, but you have to go through that whether you do outpatient surgery or have your surgery in the hospital."