Same-day shoulder surgery a success
Two patients in Telford have been able to return home on the same day as their shoulder replacement operations, thanks to a new programme at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH). The innovative procedure means patients can gain their independence sooner and reduces the risk of infection.
Mr Abilash Thimmegowda, a consultant shoulder and elbow surgeon, performed the reverse shoulder replacement operations. One patient, Maureen Drakeley, had her surgery in the late morning and was able to leave the hospital later that day after a specialist physiotherapy session.
A second patient, Tadeusz Urbanieic, also went home on the same day as his operation. The reverse shoulder replacement procedure swaps the normal ball and socket joint, replacing the socket with a new ‘ball’ and the ball at the top of the humerus with a new ‘socket.’
Mr Thimmegowda said: “I am pleased that the team and I have achieved our first patients leaving hospital on the same day as having reverse shoulder replacement surgery. I spoke with both patients on the evening of their operations and they were comfortable at home.”
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has also had success with same-day hip and knee replacement procedures at the PRH. A 24-hour helpline is available for all patients who are discharged, providing additional support.
Dr John Jones, Executive Medical Director at SaTH, said: “This is another outstanding achievement for our teams and the Trust. Thank you to the teams who make this happen and improve the experience for our orthopaedic patients.”
