The field of medicine is always evolving, and the orthopedic specialty is no exception. Quite recently, outpatient procedures have seen an evolution towards safer and more efficient processes that provide a host of benefits to the surgeon and the patient alike.
Shorter Hospital Stays
Many procedures that once required lengthy hospital stays have evolved to outpatient, same-day surgeries – all with less risk to the patient. Having practiced orthopedic medicine for over 20 years, Dr. Gregory H. Tchejeyan recalls his first experience with joint replacement surgery while in college. At that time, patients would often check into a hospital the day before their surgery. The next morning, they would be moved to an operating room for the procedure, and then monitored for several days after surgery before being sent home.
This inpatient process not only caused a major disruption in people’s home and work lives, it also increased the patient’s risk of hospital-borne infection. Outpatient surgery often allows patients to return home within a matter of hours.
Low Infection Risks
Outpatient procedures are often performed in an outpatient surgery center. As a standard, infection rates are significantly lower there since it’s not a sick-patient facility.
Dr. Tchejeyan performs many of his total and partial joint replacement surgeries at outpatient centers. This scenario, in combination with his vast experience in his field, has allowed Dr. Tchejeyan to achieve some of the highest-scoring outcome metrics, including extremely low infection rates. He’s proud to offer safe and effective care to patients in the Thousand Oaks community.
Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital is home to 21 private rooms with in-room accommodations and meals prepared by an executive chef for patients, families, and visitors. There are options for overnight stays when needed.
Dr. Tchejeyan also performs surgery at Specialty Surgery Center in Westlake Village. This facility’s proximity to restaurants, shops, and hotels allows for family members to stay nearby during procedures. Aftercare is available if needed, and high-quality food is brought in from local restaurants. This concierge-style service model is an up-and-coming trend in healthcare that improves the quality of the entire surgical experience.
In addition to the superior service standards, Specialty Surgery Center is home to the Mako Robot, which Dr. Tchejeyan utilizes for minimally invasive surgeries. Minimally invasive robotic surgery allows for smaller incisions and less tissue damage. Also performed in an outpatient setting, this method contributes to the patient’s quicker return to function.
Faster Recoveries
Dr. Tchejeyan understands the value of his patients’ time away from their families and their jobs. Giving them the ability to quickly return to work is another benefit of outpatient surgical procedures. Dr. T.’s postoperative regimen is predictable and expected so patients can resume normal activities as quickly as possible.
To be a candidate for outpatient surgery, the patient must be generally healthy and have the right mindset about the impending procedure.
“I try to prepare my patients for surgery like a good coach prepares his athletes to compete. Much of the victory lies in having the proper mindset!”
-Dr. Gregory H. Tchejeyan
Dr. T. notes that some patients approach surgery differently and actually prefer time in a recovery hospital. Nonetheless, he advocates for a safe and swift return home in order to avoid hospital-acquired infections and complications. No patient is sent home unless they can safely move and walk as is appropriate to their particular case.
Dr. T. does his best to educate and inform his patients regarding pain management and the rehabilitation process ahead of time. His educational blog page is home to a wealth of information about real-life outpatient cases and other useful information about what to expect from outpatient surgery.
Choosing the Best Outpatient Surgeon
When choosing your surgeon, it’s imperative to choose one who has worked for reproducible outcomes so you can plan ahead. A skilled surgeon perfects his or her craft to such a degree that the postoperative regimen is predictable and expected. For the patient, this means easier planning and a quicker return to function.
A Diplomate in the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Gregory H. Tchejeyan prides himself on refining his surgical steps with precision. He currently practices in Southern California, where he specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery, Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Replacement, Sports Medicine, MAKO Robotic Surgery, and Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).
For more information on Dr. T. and his practice in Thousand Oaks, contact our office today!
