Sligo University Hospital (SUH) has introduced same-day hip replacement surgery using a new technique which results in shorter rehabilitation.
SUH is currently the only public hospital in Ireland providing same-day hip replacement using the Direct Anterior Muscle Sparing Minimally Invasive approach.
This new technique results in significantly shorter rehabilitation time, allowing patients to get back on their feet quickly and return to their normal pain free life when compared with traditional hip replacement surgery.
During traditional hip replacement surgery, a surgeon would access the hip joint from the side or the back of the hip and in order to replace the joint, large muscle groups would need to be cut and separated.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon John Kelly said with the direct anterior approach, they "are able to access the hip from the front, going in between the muscles without cutting them, thereby helping to minimise pain and soft tissue injury for patients".
"Patients can arrive in the hospital in the morning, have the procedure and are able to return home the same day with a new hip. I'm delighted that we can now offer this as a surgical option to patients in Sligo University Hospital, Dr Kelly added.
Consultant Anaesthesiologist Dr Joey Coyne said the new approach is a testament to what can be achieved to allow patients home on the day of surgery and thus allowing access for more patients through the hospital.
"The pain scores are far less compared to the traditional approach which means the requirement for peripheral nerve blocks to facilitate pain relieve are no longer needed and because of the position of the patient during the surgery we have a much lower anaesthetic does which means these patients walk quicker."
Dr Coyne also said "it’s a testament to what we can achieve to allow patients to get home on the day of surgery thus freeing up bed spaces and allowing access to more patients through the hospital".
'Very quick recovery'
Gay Devaney, who retired as a driving instructor in Sligo last spring, underwent the same-day hip replacement surgery at SUH recently.
"I found the experience fabulous. I could not believe I was home later that evening. I am pain free and very happy out.
"I had a very quick recovery and was back to myself so quickly nobody could believe it. I want to thank Mr Kelly and all the team for taking such good care of me," she added.
Her surgery took place at 9.30am, and she was back in her room before midday.
Ms Devaney experienced some pain for two or three days "and after that, there was no pain," she said.
"I'm into my ninth week now, and I'm doing extremely very well."
Ms Devaney is doing so well that two weeks ago when her husband got a knee replacement, she was able to care for him.
SUH Hospital Manager Grainne McCann said introducing this minimally invasive surgery in SUH is a very progressive step in improving patients' experience and quality of life.
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Additional reporting Eithne Dodd
