Abstract
Patients due to have a major orthopaedic operation should be assessed in advance, in order to be fully prepared for the operation the scheduled day the without cancellations and be cost-effective. We studied 208 patients the last 2 years scheduled for hip and knee replacement. Mean Age 68.7. F=150, M=58. The patients were formally admitted in the assessment stay unit where a fully orthopaedic and anaesthetic examination was done and appropriate lab tests were carried out. The whole procedure lasted 4 hours and was charged 88 Euros.
Only 37 patients have no medical problems. 98 suffered from hypertension and 10 of them needed further adjustment of their treatment. Out of 27 patients who had coronary artery disease, 12 referred to a cardiologist. All of the 12 patients with various heart problems needed further assessment. Readjustment of their treatment needed 3 out 15 diabetic patients. 1 out of the 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis 1 needed reevaluation and 1 out 19 who suffered from various diseases 1 needed reassessment (Renal failure). Statistically 39 out of 208 had problems p< 0.001.
The anaesthetic assessment contributes to 1.Reduction of cancellations due to medical reasons. 2. Effective use of the theatre time. 3. Reduction of cost.
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