What Is Rapid Recovery Surgery?
After undergoing a total joint surgery, the drawbacks of the surgery are a patient’s prolonged recovery and rehabilitation time. To speed up a patient’s recuperation period, a new technique known as rapid recovery surgery has been used by surgeons. This new minimally invasive operation is known to have great benefits to the patient’s healing period.
1. Length of hospital stay
Usually, after total joint surgery, the patient does not get discharged until a few days after the procedure. One of the major benefits of rapid recovery surgery is that the duration of the hospital stay is reduced. As soon as a patient is discharged, the patient feels more confident about recuperating faster and performing physical therapy.
2. Reduced inpatient rehabilitation incidence
Inpatient rehabilitation causes anxiety and fear about pain and uncertainty feeling the inability to move the limb. Some studies have shown that home-based rehabilitation had a more positive outcome compared to inpatient rehabilitation. A home-based rehabilitation program is considered more effective after undergoing joint surgery.
3. Cost savings
There is an added benefit as a result of a shorter hospitalization stay, mobilizing sooner, and reduced inpatient rehabilitation. The combination of other benefits helps in saving costs since the activities after the rapid recovery surgery are lessened. Patients heal faster so there’s less likely to be a need to readmit or stay longer.
Other proven benefits
This surgery comes with a few more advantages such as improving the range of movement and reduced risk of complications. One study showed that a patient’s range of motion improved greatly with rapid recovery surgery. The study further stated that this gave patients the ability to do daily activities 3 months after the operation. Due to the procedure being minimally invasive, complications such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications are less likely to occur.
Who is a potential candidate?
Not every patient can undergo rapid recovery surgery. A possible candidate is someone who is healthy with no medical conditions and has a good support system. However, the healthcare provider will consider the patient’s medical history and discuss the procedure. If there are any doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to ask the healthcare provider.
After discharge
Once the surgical procedure is completed, the healthcare specialist will provide instructions for recovery. Rest and having regular meals are essential for recovery. On the day of discharge, one will learn how to transfer in and out of bed and use the stairs. Soon physical therapy will be initiated with the help of a healthcare professional. A nurse may also come to check one’s overall well-being and incision dressing.
Follow-up care and beyond
After the operation and discharge, the healthcare provider will follow up most likely after 2 weeks. The follow-up involves checking the patient’s overall health and the surgical site. If before 2 weeks there are any unusual symptoms, immediately contact the doctor for assistance.
