“Hospital-Free” Total Joint Replacement Surgery
Improvements in surgical techniques, among other factors, have led to the ability to perform same-day total joint replacements. Dr. Eickmann and Dr. Weber have been performing total joint surgeries for several years – where the benefits of both patient satisfaction and cost reduction are significant.
Outpatient Benefits
- Out-of-pocket cost per patient is half that of a hospital stay
- Nursing to patient ratio=1/1
- Decreased risk of infection
- Improved experience: same quality care in a more personal setting
- Pain is better controlled at home through self-management
- Overall satisfaction is higher
Please note: Not every patient is a candidate for same-day joint replacement. Patients must be in good overall health, without chronic disease or dependence on narcotics for pain control.
About the Surgeons
Dr. Thomas Eickmann began performing hip and knee replacements at The Surgery Center at Lutheran as a 23-hour stay in February 2012, and a year later began sending his patient’s home the same day as surgery. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, just how healthy you are,” Dr. Eickmann said.
Dr. Ian Weber was the Director of the Rapid Knee and Hip Recovery Program at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Nebraska and was performing about 500 joint replacements per year. “I love returning patients back to the active lifestyle they desire, and will consider all options with patients,” Dr. Weber said.