Is It Time For Surgery?
If a doctor or orthopedic surgeon recommends total joint replacement surgery, alternative methods to manage joint pain have already failed. Chances are, the patient has had months of chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Surgery is now the only way to regain a better quality of life. Joint replacement surgery sounds like a major surgical procedure, which is correct. Yet, with minimally invasive surgery at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), there are some highlighted benefits.
Joint replacement at an ASC
Total joint replacement is a complex procedure to replace a damaged or diseased joint with prosthetics. Common joint replacements include the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, and elbow. Hundreds of thousands of procedures happen today because of minimally invasive surgery or MIS. The surgeon will use an arthroscope, a surgical tool with a camera attached. This tool, along with other devices, can replace the joint using only small incisions. This procedure can happen at an ASC or ambulatory surgical center. ASCs are facilities that perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures only. By specializing in these procedures, patients benefit in several ways.
Surgery on your time
Opting for surgery in a large hospital leaves patients at the mercy of hospital schedules. Sometimes, hospitals need to reschedule elective surgeries for emergencies and absences. ASCs provide same-day surgery at all times. Doctors keep schedules since the goal is to provide surgeries only. On the day of surgery, the patient enters and will go to surgery almost immediately.
Same-day discharge
Surgery at a conventional hospital can often mean extended stays. This is commonly the case for open surgical procedures. However, for patients who qualify for minimally invasive surgery, the surgery only takes a couple of hours. From there, the patient can leave on the same day in the care of a loved one. Same-day discharge takes away the pressure and stress from the patient.
Lower surgical costs
Surgeries at an ASC are generally more affordable compared to a larger hospital. ASCs have excellent payer relationships and can negotiate better rates. These agreements allow ASCs to provide cheaper costs to attract patients. Commonly, clinics will be offered incentives when providing faster, high-quality service. Because of a larger patient pool and faster surgical techniques, patients pay fewer insurance costs.
A lower chance of infection
In a large hospital that deals with multiple cases, there is a chance of picking up an infection. With ASCs, the focus is on minimally invasive surgeries. Patients must be generally healthy to have surgery in these clinics. Healthier patients make ASC infection rates almost non-existent. That means a faster recovery due to minimal incisions and lower infections.
You can even go robotic
Several clinics across the United States are actively investing in robot-assisted surgeries. Robotic surgery consists of a large device with a robotic arm attached. The mechanical device uses different technologies to craft an accurate model of the new joint. From there, the surgeon utilizes this component when carefully implanting the new joint. Robotic surgery increases speed and accuracy. That means patients can fully recover in just a few weeks.
An ASC is a right choice
Large hospitals have the tools and expertise to complete joint replacements. However, the ASC is constructed for this very purpose. Having an institution that specializes in joint replacement brings significant benefits to patients. With improved speed, cost, accuracy, and success rates, ASCs could be a no-brainer. Ask a doctor for recommendations to have surgery at an ASC.
