Day Surgery: Hip & Knee Replacements in Just ONE DAY! Is It A Good Idea?

[@michellehackett3850]

I had a total knee replacement in April 2022. Arrived at 9:30am, 11:30am surgery, left the surgery center by 4pm. I was able to wake up, get dressed and walk down the hall shortly after I woke up. Very good outcome. 😊

[@BrendaMcNiss]

I’m recovering presently from a 2nd total knee arthroplasty Oct 23, 2024. My 1st surgery was June 5, 2024. I went home same day both times. Preoperative education is key and learning to perform exercises is key along with a positive mindset. I dealt with severe bilateral knee pain, steroid injections and worked full time in the nursing field. I’m grateful for the pre and post op care received at the surgicenter and PT instruction. I took care of knee and hip replacement patients in the 80’s and 90’s and the care has changed for the better. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@LindaFoyle]

I had full HIP Replacement, stayed one night, had a care giver for 3 days….it’s been 4 months now, and I’m walking all over the place…went to physical therapy for a month, which helped me alot, do everything the surgeon and his team tell me what to do!!! I still get a little pain, once in a while, but it’s part of the healing process, I don’t believe staying in bed. All the time is good., So I walk around my apartment and outside as much as I can (within reason)… you can learn a lot online,also, wish you the best.

[@LindaFoyle]

Ooops, staying in bed all the time, is not good, ask your Surgeon

[@esciteach7997]

same here with my mom in Tampa. Just left comment.

[@Sowhat-u6f]

​@@LindaFoyle Maybe reread the comment you responded to.

[@davidcox2499]

I had replacement 2 1/2 months ago. First appt of the day. We pulled into the house at 2 PM and I went up the stairs. I had nerve block in the leg and a spinal anesthetic. Very satisfied. Thanks to both of you for all the great preparation your channel provided for me.

[@davebaker489]

I had both knees replaced 1 year apart. Walked in AM. Wheeled out afternoon. The 7 stairs up to my house were scarey but thanks to the great drugs I had no problems. The spinal and pain blocks worked just fine. Thanks to being Canadian the only cost that day was the parking at the hospital.

[@JaneThomas58]

I had both hips replaced on October 18th, 2024 at 1 pm. Age 66. Stayed overnight and was home the next afternoon. Done with PT. This has been a miracle. I’m working out, walking, resuming normal things again that were so painful pre-surgery. Because I take no Rx meds and my weight was ideal, my surgeon recommended doing both. Don’t wait. Find the right medical team and get your life back! Magic.

[@Wendy-yg8yu]

I had knee replacement almost 8 weeks ago. Hospital policy is one night stay and home next day. I finished physio at 7 weeks (still doing at home) and able to walk all over and up and down stairs easily. Great bend and able to put knee flat. This was the best thing I did. I can’t wait to have the other knee done. I didn’t think it would be this easy.

[@billwTCan]

Could u share if you are in your 80s or mid life? Were u in great physical shape before surgery? Were u on pain killers at home like hydromorphone etc?

[@Wendy-yg8yu]

@ Hi Bill. I’m in my late 60’s. My knees were in very bad shape. I was using a cane and using all kinds of rubs including one made from cannabis plants. I should have had knee surgery before but because of a bad meniscus surgery I was concerned about doing it. I was using celebrex with ibuprofen for pain and Tylenol 2. I could barely walk by the time I had surgery. My knees were bone on bone. If you’re thinking of having your knees done go for it. You will never regret it. Physio is very important so make sure you do it no matter how much it hurts.

[@billwTCan]

@@Wendy-yg8yu thanks for sharing

[@pchaynes]

Doctors, I truly enjoy your diverse content. I had a total hip arthroplasty in 2020, right before the Covid shut down. Went home that evening and had absolutely no problems, with minimal pain but narcotics available if required. I was 66 and in reasonably good health. Uneventful recovery. Spinal anesthesia and sedation. One year ago at age 70 I had a robotic assisted radical hysterectomy with general anesthesia. I was home before 1 p.m. that same day. Again, minimal pain, no complications and uneventful recovery. I am 100% in favor of going home the same day after even major surgery if at all possible. Keep up the great work! Remember when people used to have to come in before joint replacement surgery and donate blood which was given perioperatively? That was back in the days of the drains and Foley catheters which you alluded to. We've come a long way baby!

[@sactodan]

All good info. I got new knee a year ago exactly as explained in this video before and after surgery and it was a breeze. Walked into the house just 3 hours after surgery, did everything suggested and had virtually no pain. I don’t even know I have appliance 99% of the time.

[@marypawlus8713]

The best thing ever! I had a hip replacement, followed by two corrective surgies not related to the hip surgery, home each time the same day. My father's hip replacement surgery 40 years ago took 12 hours, he was in hospital for 2 weeks, then at a rehab facility for 6 weeks. Thank goodness for the advancements! The spinal block was so good, I was up walking about an hour after surgery.

[@jmcc685]

Three years ago, in the U.S., I walked out of the hospital the same day as my hip replacement. You were my most reliable educators. Pain control was effective, but the nausea and vomiting until getting on an opioid I could tolerate was difficult. So be ready for that…

[@smithwick58]

I had both hips replaced. The first hip I stayed overnight because my operation started later in the day and the physical therapist was not available to clear me when I got out of recovery. The second hip I was in and out the same day. I actually had less pain when I left the hospital than when I went in. Both operations were successful and my quality of life improved greatly.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Glad you are doing well.

[@cjs1948]

Same here. First one an overnight hospital stay was required. The second one, six months later, same doc and I knew he was doing these as outpatient elsewhere, I talked the staff in to giving me the test--three steps up, three steps down--and releasing me the same day, in at 7 out at 2. I am otherwise strong and well so had no problem with either. Three years later all is well.

[@Carole-um3jj]

I’ve had two knee replacements, 2021 and 2024 at a hospital not far from you guys. Both times I was asked if I would prefer to go home same day and I said yes. At the pre-op appointment, they seemed pretty thorough in assessing whether it was doable for me. Worked out great. My husband was there for me at home if I needed help, but I did most things for myself. He was in charge of feeding ice to the cooling machine and driving me to post-op and physio appointments. I felt fortunate to be at home. I did use the patient navigator at the hospital when I had issues. If you live alone, I think at a minimum, you really need some help getting settled at home, making sure you have meals and driving to appointments, and someone to call if you hit a bump in the road. You gotta have a plan.

[@joywebster2678]

And living alone, plans aren't easy.

[@Carole-um3jj]

@@joywebster2678I agree, definitely not easy if you live alone.

[@elleemen4238]

I am on the list for my eighth arthritis surgery …. Kept in hospital if there were complications otherwise I went home that same day. I have always enjoyed being at home to sleep in my own bed after surgery. Having a plan at home is important - someone to help you out, I had a freezer full of healthy meals, a fridge full of veggies for snacking and my cooling machine!!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jannie690]

I had hip replacement 3 years ago and had to stay overnight due to sleep apnea, but honestly was ready to go home the day of surgery . 18 months later, knee replacement and home the same day. These surgeries changed my life for the better

[@amandaw8840]

I recently had a THR as a day patient in the UK. I could not fault it and managed so well.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Congrats!

[@gordonbyron5145]

Very interesting to hear these two discuss like that

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Why thanks

[@sandradykes2958]

I had a total knee replacement in 2021 at a Surgical Center. I was the first appointment, surgery at 0700, and I was home before noon. I had good home support, I prepared my meals in advance, and PT arrived the next morning to begin the hard work of therapy. I had 2 weeks of home PT before I transferred to a PT facility. I would absolutely do it this way again, and probably will in a few years when the other knee needs it.

[@roxiw66]

Same day for me and i was glad !

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Awesome!

[@dogsrgodsspelledbackwards3340]

This is a good thing. I did have tkr and was out the following day. I wasn’t released the same day but was able to go after the surgeon came in to see me and my friend who is an OT was there to do the stairs with me as no PT was on shift. I had a good plan ahead of time and did months of prehab so was prepared. Had a plan when I got home, and did great. I had no issues with the surgery and very glad i followed you guys beforehand. Thanks for all your updates. OMG. Yeah Doc Brad. You gotta wash them hands…lol.

[@lindawilson1307]

I had my hip replaced in August. Was planning on going home same day, as I was able to walk, do stairs etc., but had my blood pressure drop due to pain meds so they kept me overnight. Keys to success is having good help at home for the first couple of weeks, making sure your home is prepared for your recovery ( meals prepped and easy to cook, handrail on stairs, shower chair, walker available and adjusted, cane ready, reacher, sock equipment, raised commode seat, throw rugs put away and floors cleared of any clutter for your walker...) follow any exercises your doctor gives you... much better to go home! Less risk of infection and complications!Be patient with yourself!👍 It does get better!!

[@lesliegraber9813]

2018 I had a knee replacement. I was overweight and out of shape - 3 days in hospital and had the dreaded catheter. 2023 had a hip replacement. BMI of 22 and in shape, went home the same day and was doing laundry on day 3.

[@bethstewart1319]

Wow, good for you!

[@ak203]

I've had 2 knee replacements (2 years apart). Stayed one night in the hospital. I'm glad I had the night to ease into it. Both ended up beautifully because I took the agonizing therapy seriously and did what I was told. The result is painless knees functioning perfectly.

[@eugeniahobbs41]

Had complete knee day one at 11:00am stayed overnight, home next day at 5:00pm. Very painful, after 60 days I’m working out at gym one day/week. Very pleased. 75yr old, in good health, weight same as when 40.

[@steveborkowski4330]

Thanks guys!! Had both hip replacement surgeries completed over the last three months. My surgeon in Arizona uses rhe SUPERPATH approach. As I understand, this method doesn't require cutting through muscles or tendons. My recovery is going very well. I did stay overnight in the hospital each time. 😁

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you are doing well. Not familiar with super path.

[@azdbuk]

@@TalkingWithDocs Supercapsular Percutaneously-Assisted Total Hip

[@luvinmaks]

I was talking with Julie Ryan who developed surgical tools and attended many knee surgeries. She said that it was best to use a surgeon who uses robotics to align the knee implants - as this allows for quicker recovery. Julie is a wonderful resource for information to accompany this video. Her husband also had both knees replaced.

[@shelbylou02]

Six short months ago I had my right knee replaced. I ended up spending 2 days in hospital due to dizziness & low blood pressure. I was at physio 3X a week within 7 days of surgery. I was doing 15 stairs within 8 days of surgery. I work in health care & I walk thousands of steps per shift. I was back to work in 8 weeks. This Winter my surgeon Dr. Girardi is replacing my left knee. I'm so grateful for him & his care and expertise.

[@melodybrundage8844]

I am 67 yrs old and had a revision surgery on my right total knee replacement on Nov. 27, 2024. My left knee was fused in 2003. I was discharged home on the day of surgery. I live alone and had a ride to my home. I stayed alone and the first 3 days were a challenge but I am doing pretty well at this point.

[@betsydoc3628]

Had knee replacement surgery in ambulatory surgery center then transported across the street to a brand name hotel overnight for recovery. Nurse is in another room, checks periodically, and is available round the clock. Physical therapist comes to room next morning. Order room service for meals. Must have a companion stay in room with patient. Great experience! I did it again for 2nd knee. Loved being monitored first night.

[@rosscollins2910]

This sounds like a sensible approach.

[@betsydoc3628]

@ and cheaper than hospital stay

[@donnawright5749]

Had a same day knee replacement 10 weeks ago..having the second one in two weeks.. I had a terrific surgeon..doing great.

[@gfost53]

I had surgery 2 years ago and the surgeon advised me I could stay overnight but I opted for same day. I did great!

[@billshellenberger4300]

I have had two knee replacement surgeries done in the last 13 months and I went home the same afternoon. Not knowing what to expect on the first surgery I had someone stay at the house for over 7 days. I realized I could have let them go home the second day. The second surgery I had someone take me and pick me up after surgery. They were supposed to stay the evening but I sent them home that day. I did have somebody take me to rehab the next two weeks until I could drive myself.

[@veronicasarratt9240]

5 weeks post op left hip replacement. Came home the same day. It was the best thing ever.

[@joanmccarty6445]

Knee replacement day surgery, PT, and pre and post education, wonderful team at KP Hawaii.

[@iamgabriel5823]

After working in acute care hospitals for 30 years, the idea of a patient going home so quickly after such a big surgery is terrifying to me. I personally was present when several post-op patients threw a clot. It was really fortunate they were in the hospital at the time so they could be treated. One patient threw a clot while I was talking with her. She was a DNR, so CPR was not initiated. The look of terror on her face is an image that will never leave me. She didn't survive.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

#OMG! Just reading your comment about the DNR lady gives me the Shudders!😓 Also in addition to the chance of life-threatening blood clots, there's always the chance of post surgery Sepsis suddenly developing. Both are Verrry life-threatening conditions!!!

[@KathleenLane-mo6bp]

@@iamgabriel5823 in 2017 my husband developed pulmonary emboli several days after a knee replacement. He had this a few years prior so recognized the warning signs. He asked for a CT scan, which showed multiple clots. Lucky for him, he was still in the hospital and was treated without delay. His doctors now have a special protocol for him to carefully manage stopping& restarting blood thinners. He is also kept for observation for a couple days after a surgery. This has been successful.

[@pchaynes]

@@iamgabriel5823 Good comment. It is important to remember they manage coagulation issues a lot differently now and I suspect the incidence of postoperative embolism is much lower now, one reason being they mobilize patients almost immediately after surgery. I don't know if they were using SCDs in those days.

[@markschlaefer3637]

Just had my hip replaced on Monday. Surgery was at 8 and I was discharged by 3. My surgery team did a great job preparing us for what it would take to be successful to recover at home. Once they brought me out of the recovery room I was on a path to discharge, saw two therapists and was walking around almost right away. Nice job Prevea orthopedics!

[@flok.8317]

I so, so, so enjoy watching your videos... Love your respective styles, the "chemistry" between the two of you, your wonderful sense of humor, and your candor. See you soon!

[@jhg4644]

This whole field is evolving. There are four orthopedic surgeons at the UCD hospital in Sacramento. Two use anterior access for THR and the other two do posterior. At UCD, nearly all THR patients spend one night, as I did three weeks ago with mine. (And I’m in good shape, walking without a walker at one week.). But at nearby Kaiser and Sutter, THR patients go home same day. Thanks, Docs, for your terrific videos. I watched a bunch of them prior to my surgery and found them greatly informative and helpful.

[@markg3025]

At 70 y/o in good health had total hip replacement same day surgery. On the table at 07:00 moved to recovery at 08:30. At 09:30 nurse asked if I wanted to walk to physical therapy, finished and dressed. Received my discharge instructions and was driven home at 10:30 AM. I arrived home by 11:00 AM.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That is awesome. On the table by 7am. Where did you get surgery? That’s amazing!

[@triplethreatyes]

Had full knee replacement in 2019 pre pandemic, I opted for the anesthetic that you don't wake up groggy from ( can't recall the name) high BMI and severe anemia. 3 day stay then a 20-minute helicopter ride home. Family doctor finally got me in for iron infusions after my surgeon expressed serious concern of my iron levels and felt much better after infusions.

[@joannefrench1172]

My hip replacement was at Kaiser in Sacramento. I had to attend class before operation. I couldn't be more pleased with the whole experience.

[@MaryHansen-l4k]

I had a hip replacement in September 2023 and a knee replacement in November 2023. They were both same-day surgeries and I had no complications.

[@keithsolomon-k2p]

Great video! My wife had 2 separate same day knee surgeries a year ago. They went great, not much effort on my part. Keep an eye on her, help out of bed for bathroom visits, meals etc. First week a little hard on her, after that a slow steady recovery. She also had a great physiotherapist ! Super way to help the healthcare system and cost.

[@brentrichards84]

I had a total knee replacement seven years ago and spent five days in hospital and didn't start physio until three weeks later. That was the norm then. This year (2024) I had a total left hip replacement in January and was home the same day. In May I had a total left knee replacement and was home the same day and in physio one week later. I was back to full mobility with my left knee very quickly. On November 05th of this year I had my right hip replaced, again with day surgery. Three joint replacements in ten months, all with day surgery, went very well, with no compilations what-so-ever. I did all of the pre-hab exercises religiously and I firmly believe they made a big difference in how quickly I got my mobility back. Having experienced both the hospital stay and the day surgery for joint replacements I can absolutely say that I recovered and had my mobility back much quicker with the same day procedure. Thanks Doctors, for all of your information and an excellent channel which we are all learning from and sharing experiences, which I believe gives people more confidence when they are going through various medical issues.

[@dianeoconnor5903]

Maybe it will work for younger patients but a lot of my patients are debilitated and can just about recover enough to go home in 3-5 days. Men often in urinary retention after spinal anaesthetic. When I first started nursing years and years ago , patients stayed in hospital for 2 weeks post joint replacement and usually went to a facility for 2 further weeks of convalescence. Oh how times have changed 😮

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes, most of our patients are older and they used to have urinary retention. Modern anaesthetic techniques that I’ve certainly changed this. Thanks.

[@traceycoleman3368]

I had hip replacement surgery in October and was home the same day. It’s much more comfortable at home. Key is having a good caregiver.

[@ElaineForce-l8y]

My first knee was a three night stay and my second I was out about an hour after I got to the recovery room. I did great and will definitely advocate for same day surgery for my hip

[@bequetmykamundorff8533]

I have had both my knees replaced within the last six months and I left the same day. No problems at all.

[@suzettewallhead]

I had my knee replaced on 14 November 2024 with spinal anestheatic went home the next day I was dehydrated hospital sorted that but managed to eat the same eve finally slept at 3am next morning .....you need to be well prepared for your homegoing I slipped up but luckily my son was there to get me up 16 stairs hey ho 2xparacetamol and 30mg codiene every 4 hrs I have just thrown away one walking stick....cracking on with recovery mobile but slow followed your advice thanks for your programme😊😊😊

[@Lazzar1958]

My Father & Brother-in-law both had very successful knee surgeries in Vancouver at UBC Hospital. The Surgeons & UBC Department of Orthopaedics were awesome & the aftercare top notch!

[@jamesherchel5827]

I had my right hip replaced Oct / 2023 . Stayed in the hospital for 3 days. Went to physiotherapy for 12 weeks. Used the cooling machine did everything they told me me to do . My hip still swells everyday. My surgeon said he has never seen this before. I still do the exercise most days. 13 months and still not perfect . Everyone heals differently.

[@diannecunningham2938]

Like you, had THR in Nov 2023, still having pain and I’m walking like a penguin. I was still seeing the Surgeon 2 months after the Op, he said the implant is fine but still didn’t address the pain issue. So, almost 12 months on l hope to think it will eventually sort itself out. I’m almost 74, walk everyday (albeit very slowly) and try and stay busy. I wish you well. As you say, everyone heals differently.

[@KenS-z6r]

These guys are great!

[@pamgordon9237]

Had day surgery for my hip. It was great. Also for my ankle.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That’s awesome Pam. Hope you’re doing well.

[@maib6307]

I’m 78 and just had my second knee replacement as same day. First one I was in overnight, had a catheter, didn’t sleep the first night because my roommate needed a lot of nursing care. This one no catheter, up 3 hrs after surgery (about as soon as sensation returned), had to demonstrate walking, stairs, and had to urinate to be discharged. Had a nerve block which was fabulous. Less worry about infection. Whole thing was very easy and much more pleasant.

[@marydevries420]

Arrived at hospital at 5:00 a.m. and out the door and on my way home at 5:00 p.m. with my hip replacement. yes … I planned ahead!

[@jaynejones4312]

I had both knees and a hip all done as day surgery. I loved recovering at home.

[@zdenkoplese665]

I had both knees replaced 8 months apart. Both times stayed over night. I did not know any better just followed surgeon's direction. Worked out great. Left around 1 PM both times. A bit of issue with last surgery but time is curing it and perseverance. Gents your video series helped me immensely. Thank you

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So glad that we could help even in any small way. Awesome to hear that you’re doing well.

[@KathleenLane-mo6bp]

I had a RTKR in August 2024 and was in the hospital exactly 24 hours. I was surprised that everything was accomplished, including meetings with the pharmacist and physical therapist, including tests I had to pass. I had good help at home. 6:12

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Kathleen. Glad it went so well for you.

[@karahamil3657]

Would love to hear your thoughts comparing traditional TKR and the muscle and tendon sparing method !

[@kmt3614]

I had hip replacement surgery in the morning on July 3rd and was home by 4:30 pm. I did have my daughter with me for about 4 days. She is an OT so she was super helpful. I did not have the epidural, just the anesthesia. My sister had a hip replacement just a few weeks ago, in another town and state, different medical facility, it was planned for her to stay overnight.

[@dancallis3254]

Yup, hip replacement in July. Climbing into a car to go home a few hours after the surgery. No physiotherapy, walking 7000 steps in a day almost 4 months later. Amazing. Great experience over all.

[@lisbethsalander1723]

No physiotherapy? Did you do exercises on your own? Asking only because getting rides to physiotherapy will be a problem for me.

[@susanflaharty1724]

Columbus Ohio on 12/19/2024 I will be having my right knee replacement surgery. As far as I know, it is general anesthesia with an overnight stay. Fortunately, I will not have any more than three steps that I will have to climb when I go home. I can sleep for 12 hours after taking two Tylenol arthritis tablets. I’m a bit concerned about strong pain meds. My first PT is already scheduled for 12/23. I’m 75, but still planning on being an over achiever! Thanks for all the information you share.

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

Susan, please don’t be afraid to take the pain meds. You will need them to do the PT as the Tylenol probably won’t be enough. I had bilateral TKR’s on both knees and the pain is real. You sound like you have a great attitude which helps. I had my surgery on Dec 21 in 2011 and joked it was my Christmas present to myself. Good luck and happy healing.

[@susanflaharty1724]

@ thank you!

[@emcmilla1]

I had first hip replacement done in April 2023- surgery at 8:30 am and home by 2:30. This was with general anaesthetic. Minimal blood loss, minimal bruising. Second was three weeks ago. In at 6:00 am Home by 4:30 pm. Because this time I was at higher risk with sleep apnea, used spinal block and light sedation. Kept longer just to observe. Again, minimal bruising, minimal blood loss. I really appreciated being able to go home to be with my family. I hated the idea of staying overnight due to exposure, lack of sleep etc. Education and tests were done in an organized fashion beforehand. I saw PT in hospital both times. Excellent outcome for left hip, and I expect even better from this right hip surgery. Both were posterior procedures (my surgeon was excellent and educated me on both practices). I should mention my BMI is also high due to not being mobile for about the last oh ten years! I highly recommend day surgery. Thank you “Talking with Docs”. I watched ALL of your hip videos prior to both surgeries. Best education ever!

[@zdenkoplese665]

Certainly was not in a small way. Helped huge. My confidence was high.

[@greyhoundgirl9726]

I had a knee replacement and had to stay overnight, released the next day. I live alone and had no problems recovering on my own. The chance of catching an infection is so great, so getting out as soon as possible is good. Gotta say, I will never do the spinal ever again. I have permanent nerve damage to my quads as a result and I am way worse off than I was before the replacement. I feel like I’ve been crippled.

[@lisbethsalander1723]

I am so sorry to hear that your spinal went worse. Hope you get better with time. Thanks for sharing that you had no problems recovering on your own,, [ what is spinal by the way]

[@KreeH2023]

Yep! Had my right TKR, came home same day and left TKR came home same day. Also, first time I had a spinal and it was wonderful. It was a bit weird waking up and not being able to move/feel my legs/feet, but it wore off very fast. I was walking right after surgery. Pain is worst starting on the 2nd day after the internal meds ware off.

[@agoodnana]

In US came home the same day. Prep at home with the disinfectant soap, etc, had morning surgery, had to pass some cognitive and physical readiness, had spinal anesthetic, and knew I had good help at home. Because of my age, 75, they encouraged me to stay overnight but I have no major health issues and went home instead. If you have help at home, absolutely go home!!.

[@thomasbeatty9496]

Thanks DOCs. Great video. Hip replacement upcoming on 12/17.

[@379insk]

Had TKR last week. Had general anastetic. Went home morning of day3 after physio. I live alone out on farm.

[@G6EJD]

That was an excellent explanation of these new techniques, thank you.

[@jgpbowman]

I had both hips replaced 8 weeks apart in 2022. I stayed one night after each surgery. I had to take a pre-op education course, and had to pass a series of tests in the pre-anesthesia clinic prior to being approved for surgery.

[@kmaynor16]

I had a total knee replacement at 69, and I was home the same day. Everything went fine, and I preferred to be at home rather than the hospital. My sister stayed with me for the first 2 days, and for the rest of the recovery time, I was on my own. I did have home PT for 6 weeks, a nurse came once a week to make sure I was still alive, and they did have a 24-hour number I could call. Thankfully, I did not need to call.

[@kathleenbrown73]

I had ankle replacement surgery later in the day and stayed overnight. I was in a cast and unable to walk for 6 weeks. It Would have been difficult to endure had I not been in good shape prior to surgery excluding ankle.

[@marylutyger675]

TRH replacement 2 years ago. Went home same day, no problem. Doing well!

[@jimcox9093]

I had one hip replaced in 2016 and stayed overnight and my second hip done last year and went home that day. I would have to say that my same day was an easier recovery with fewer pain killers. Definitely a better experience and recovery.

[@miriamzajfman4305]

There are some surgeries done under general anesthesia and after spending one night in the hospital you are send home . (not even being ask if somebody is there for you in case of need some help ) .P.S. I had emergency gallbladder operation couple of weeks ago After waiting in the emergency room in excruciating pain for 14 hours They operate me in the evening and send home after breakfast . My follow up appointment will be on the phone 🤔

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hope you are doing ok.

[@miriamzajfman4305]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thank for asking , I am fine . I learned to accept the " new reality "

[@kathryndenne1717]

I had a hip replacement 7 weeks ago under ga. I was at the end of the day. I stayed 3 nights which was the plan. Personally it was good as I have a multi level house, steps without hand rails etc. I had physio all 3 days and so I went home feeling I knew what needed to happen going forward.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@francesgordon2833]

I had a total hip, came home 5 hours after surgery and was back playing tennis six weeks later….a great experience for me!

[@suemichiels6420]

Had right hip replacement 5 months ago same day went home. Had general Anesthesia as possibility of surgery being extended due to spine and GERD problems . Realize that the first five days you do need someone over night to help and daytime as needed. At first had physiotherapy at home.hada video program. Took a break then restarting at 5 months to improve my gait and ascending and descending stairs. Still some swelling in both legs so working with compression pump and socks. It is a slow recovery !!!!

[@ultraflt1]

New hip in Newmarket whole bunch of work ahead of time I was last surgery of the day because of my MRSA. Had to stay in overnight due to spinal I was ready to go but nurses would not let me leave till Pysio passed me. Great experience I was amazed no pain

[@toymanjack]

I had an hip replacement in Nanaimo Vancouver Island home with 24 hours. My surgeon and his team awesome. I wasn’t sick or lightheaded 👍👍

[@lisar3944]

I've had a couple of surgeries since moving to Germany, and the biggest difference I can note is that even for something very low risk (eg a precautionary d&c) they want you to stay overnight. But at the same time I have never ever gotten over (full) anesthesia so quickly! Both surgeries, I was up and truly active within two hours of waking up. My nurses were perturbed, telling me to get back in bed, but I was already raring to go :D I'm not a fan of staying in the hospital but I do feel better knowing someone is keeping an eye on me until it's super clear I'm not going to have any trouble. I had a shoulder surgery in the US before I left, and they sent me home pretty much as soon as I was awake and I was a wreck - no kidding it was absolutely awful. I can't imagine what I would have done if I hadn't been partnered at the time. IMO this trend to do as many surgeries as possible on an outpatient basis is not great.

[@debrood3843]

I had THR in July. Had to stay on night. I had two episodes of syncope with therapy. They determined I was severely dehydrated. Glad they kept me one night. I was ready to get home the next morning.

[@Platform4Health]

Great video! In my experience from the U.K. I find patients generally much prefer day case surgery although it can be tricky for people who live by themselves (without extra support in the post-op period) and it's important people know who to contact if they have a problem. One of the anxieties a lot of people have around day case total knee replacement in particular is range of motion and the successful day case programs I've seen have early physiotherapy follow-up to check people are on track. Completely agree with you though that most people much prefer to be at home and it has some major advantages!

[@Uzma617]

Agree with this- having access to early physiotherapy and someone for me to ask advice about pain relief makes big difference!

[@justanothertinkerbell3056]

Wow Thanks guys! Good to know. I never would have believed it but that's great to know

[@VBeeMe]

On week four from having a knee replacement. The pain was manageable because I took my drugs on time. The physio is very difficult but rewarding as the weeks progress. I wasn’t prepared for the fatigue from the surgery. I was totally surprised by the 10 lbs of fluid I gained overnight in my leg. Fortunately that is almost all gone. I did walk and bend my knee immediately when it was still partially frozen. It gave me confidence in my stability.

[@bobd.4967]

Hi Docs. I had an outpatient RTH recently. All went well. Pain was manageable and decreased rapidly. Easy peasy!

[@Pamericaification]

I had day surgery for my left TKR in P.E.I. 4 months ago. I had a spinal and a block, and saw Physio in recovery… managed a few steps, and was discharged! I had my support system in place at home, and it was great to be in my own bed! I totally support same day for a joint replacement when there are no post op complications! My best recommendation is “get an ice machine”!!!

[@Ahmedkhan8802]

Good news about the anesthesia advances. I had general anesthesia for my prostatectomy in 2004 and for my hernia repair in 2011 - i'm hoping never again to have undergo it.

[@crystalbritzman907]

Had knee replacement planning on going home, but had a reaction to medication and stayed overnight. Now I had my second replacement and ended up staying two nights. Maybe undiagnosed sleep apnea.

[@denisesc21]

I had my TKR and went home same day. The only problem was pain management. I didn’t understand my pain meds timing. Once I finally did I was glad to be home.

[@billwTCan]

Not surprised. Aortic heart valves (TAVI) are inserted into elderly patient hearts and they too go home next day. Prostate laser procedure replacing traditional surgery also allows elderly men to go home same day after surgery. God bless these doctors helping people get medical treatment that is evolving for better patient outcomes.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow thanks

[@wendy8422]

RTHP in Oct 2023 and LTHR in Jan 2024. Home after surgery both times. PT and exercise is a must. Back to doing everything I did before surgery…yoga, strength training, Pilates, biking…my active life is back! Thankful for this technology!

[@davidpescod7573]

Spinal anaesthesia, which I’ve had twice, was brilliant, and if in the future I was asked which anaesthesia I would prefer, General or Spinal, based on my experience I would have spinal anaesthesia every time. The ‘recovery’ period is extremely quick, and one doesn’t suffer from the problems caused by the drugs used in general anaesthesia which can remain in the body for longer than expected, producing unwanted side effects. Many thanks, Docs, for a very interesting and informative video

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Timely. My replacement coming soon.

[@yowill405]

Just had my THR 3 weeks ago here in BC (St Paul’s hospital) was not sent home on same day I believe as I would be alone and was feeling dizzy and nauseous (did have the spinal) but I think it was because of very low blood pressure. Also physio never came to see me that day and although I saw them second day was still dizzy and nauseous so had to stay a second night. Have to say being home alone would have been tough on the same day…

[@hannahjames4823]

Very helpful information thank you very much Do docs Rock 🤓

[@normnicholson]

I came out of surgery about 5pm for a hip job. Got up 24 hours later and was woozy so they kept me in another night. I was glad with that.

[@robinbourgault86]

I had TKR and went home the same day in 2022!

[@BethL-jd8pl]

Had full hip replacement in the morning, and went home that afternoon. Had a general, because I had a spinal during a previous knee replacement and woke up under a general with no pain medication on board. They thought the spinal would at least control the pain. Never going through that again. But going home the same day worked really well.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear you are ok

[@besame5504]

In the last few yrs I had 2x TKRs and 1 month ago a Reverse shoulder completed. I am 75 and was out of the hella-hostital within a few hrs all 3 times hehe. Next is another shoulder and I will certify for a bionic woman hehe. My shoulder replace has been so easy that I took the horrid sling off permanently when I got hime that day and began using my arm as directed by Dr if I wished. Doing great so far. He told me to use my head, use and rest it as needed but, DON'T FALL!

[@susansouthern6704]

I had a hip replacement and was scheduled to go home same day..unfortunately I was unable to climb stairs due to a bad rotator cuff. Once home the first 2 wks are challenging however if you do the exercises and follow instruction, it's a surprisingly straight forward recovery.Not so much for a reverse shoulder replacement( same day release)but that is fairly new and is much harder.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Susan. Hope you’re doing OK.