Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery has been around in various forms over the years some approaches have come and gone. The benefits to the patient are quicker return to full function with smaller incisions and less pain. The longer term outcomes have shown no real difference with both sets of patients whether it be MIS or standard approach being comparable at 1 year.
Improvements in anaesthesiae, pain management and patient rehabilitation have led to reduced length of stay and quicker return to function too.
However as I initially resisted a move towards MIS surgery I see more patients who want less time off work for financial reasons, quicker return to function whether that be recreational or occupational and to be less inconvenienced by surgery. It is a reflection of the expectations of our changing society and the baby boomers.
A secondary gain of MIS and same day surgery is to our healthcare systems. We have increasing costs, limited budgets and stripped resources due to increasing demands for healthcare with an aging population. MIS surgery along with advances in care mean reduced length of stay in hospital. The largest cost saving measure any institution can achieve is through money saved on bed occupancy.
MIS Hip Replacement surgery is now moving towards same day surgery or next day discharge beneficial for both patient and healthcare system. Concerns by patient advocacy groups were worried this would lead to more complications and readmissions to hospital but studies have shown the opposite that patients have fewer complications and fewer readmissions.
These techniques certainly need further development and it is clear such surgery and short length of stay is not for every patient. The surgeon is critical in deciding which patients are best suited for such procedures and ensuring proper preoperative screening to make it a safe and rewarding experience for all.