Sligo University Hospital introduces minimally invasive, same day hip replacement surgery

Eight patients have undergone hip replacement surgery as a day case procedure in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) over the past three months. This surgery is based on the Direct Anterior Muscle Sparing Minimally Invasive approach and SUH is currently the only public hospital in Ireland providing same day hip replacement using this technique.

The Direct Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgical approach for hip replacement surgery was introduced in SUH in June and it carries a multitude of benefits for patients.

Patients experience less pain, have quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss during surgery and better mobility postoperatively.

When compared with traditional hip replacement surgery 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.

John Kelly, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in SUH explains the technique; “In a traditional hip replacement approach the 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.

“With the direct anterior approach we 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.

“There are significant benefits for patients with this surgery; they 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.”

Sligo patient, Gay Devaney describes her experience of Direct Anterior Hip Replacement, “I had my surgery eight weeks ago and can tell you it was an extremely positive experience. From the moment I arrived in Sligo University Hospital until I was discharged later that day I received the best of care and support.

“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.”

Grainne McCann Hospital Manager, SUH added, “It is essential that we strive for innovation in healthcare; new technology, techniques and procedures all drive improvements in patient care. Introducing this minimally invasive surgery in SUH is a very progressive step in improving patient’s experience and quality of life, I want to congratulate John and the full surgical and anaesthetic teams for being the only public hospital in Ireland to currently offer patients same day hip replacement using this technique.”