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Patients having knee replacement surgery at Maidstone Hospital can now go home the same day.

The Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre and Maidstone Orthopaedic Unit at Maidstone Hospital (part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust) offer day case knee replacement surgery to suitable patients, helping avoid the need for an overnight stay in hospital.

Patients used to spend up to three days in hospital following a knee replacement, but improvements in technology, surgery and pain management make it possible for patients to have their operation in the morning and be home by early evening.

The same-day approach marks a new way of providing joint replacements for patients who are fit and well enough, with enhanced support for their recovery including specialist physiotherapy and occupational therapy as soon as they are back on the ward.

The approach is proving popular with patients who are able to get up and about more quickly, helping with pain relief and minimising complications.

Patients also have benefited from advances in anaesthetics and a pain management technique called multi-modal analgesia. This uses medications targeting multiple pain pathways, helping get patients get back on their feet as soon as possible after their operation.Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Bruce Young said: “The aim with day case surgery is for the patient to return to normal function as soon as possible. This starts with the patient adopting healthy habits and starting strengthening exercises before they come in to hospital.

“On the day of their procedure, we give them pain-relieving medication which continues to work after the operation. A short acting spinal anaesthetic keeps the patient comfortable during the procedure and ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and local anaesthetic give longer-lasting pain relief.

“After surgery, patients have regular pain relief and we encourage them to change into their own clothes and to eat and drink. Within a few hours their muscle strength has returned and they are in a great position to start working with our specialist physiotherapists and occupational therapists”.

A few hours after surgery patients are able to walk with crutches and can safely be discharged to continue their recovery at home, with ongoing support and advice if they need it.

Consultant Trauma Surgeon, Mr Osama Tawfiq said: “Day-case knee replacement uses an advanced approach involving minimally-invasive techniques, meaning less blood loss, improved recovery time and less pain after the operation.

“To be successful, this approach needs collaboration between the surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre staff, physiotherapists, radiographers, discharge coordinator, and the wider team. Feedback from patients has been very positive and we hope to increase the number of people benefiting from this type of surgery.

“Day case surgery means less disruption for patients, allowing them to rehabilitate comfortably and safely at home. It also helps free up beds for those who need a longer stay in hospital. This means we can provide a variety of procedures, more quickly, helping us treat more Kent and Medway patients.”

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Lee David, with Julie Richards, the Trust’s first day case total knee replacement patient.