Background

Increasing number of studies investigating surgical patients have reported longer length of stay (LOS) in hospital after an operation with higher ASA grades. However, the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on LOS in hospital post Total Knee Replacement (TKR) remains a controversial topic with conflicting findings in reported literature. In our institution, we recently adopted a weight reduction program requiring all patients with raised BMI to participate in order to be considered for elective TKR.

A number of studies have reported longer length of hospital stay (LOS) after surgery in patients with higher ASA grades. The impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on LOS after Total Hip Replacement (THR) remains unclear with conflicting findings in reported literature. In our hospital we strongly encourage all patients with a raised BMI to participate in a weight reduction programme prior to surgery. This prompted us to investigate the impact BMI has on LOS compared to the more established impact of ASA grade.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all elective primary THR patients between 11/2013 to 02/2014. LOS in BMI groups <30, 30–39 and ≥40 and ASA grades 1–2 and 3–4 was compared. Where appropriate, independent t-test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney test were used to predict significance.

122 THR were analysed. Mean LOS in BMI groups <30, 30–39 and ≥40 were 5.6, 6.2 and 8.0 days, respectively. This was not predicted significant (p=0.7). Mean LOS in ASA groups 1–2 and 3–4 were 5.2 and 9.3, respectively. This was predicted significant (p-value < 0.01).

In patients undergoing primary THR, ASA grade is a better predictor of LOS than BMI. Our data adds to the evidence that high BMI alone is not a significant factor in prolonging LOS after a primary THR. This should be taken into account when allocating resources to optimise patients for surgery.