1159 Ring-Fenced Arthroplasty Unit: The Need of The Hour During Winter and A Pandemic Crisis

Aim Winter pressures along with the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused cancellation of elective services, prolonged waiting times, patient dissatisfaction and financial implications. Length of stay (LOS) following joint replacements is variable. The availability of ring-fenced beds and enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) can improve these outcomes. The performance of a stand-alone arthroplasty unit in an acute NHS Trust was assessed regarding safety, LOS and complications. Method Patient data was collected for total hip & knee replacements (TJAs) between the months of December to March of 2018-19 and 2019-20. Demographics, ASA, transfusion rates, LOS and 90-day reattendance was analysed. Modified ERP implemented in late 2019 included changes in analgesia and early post-operative mobilisation. The performance was then compared with DGHs within the region. Results In 2019-20, of 280 TJAs performed, there was a mean LOS of 43 hours. This shows a reduction compared with LOS of 69 hours in 2018-19, where 288 TJAs were performed. In 2019-20, 74% of cases had early discharge within 36 hours of surgery, versus 24% in 2018-19. This accumulates to 333 inpatient days saved. Note that following ERP modification, 6 patients were discharged on the day of surgery. Surgery related complications within 3 months which required reattendance, were seen in only 2 patients. This unit performed an average of 335 TJA’s in these winter months, the highest average in comparison to other DGHs in the East Midlands region, which had an overall average of 165 cases. Conclusions A ring-fenced arthroplasty service with adherence to ERP significantly decreases LOS and increases productivity.

A preliminary outcome of modified enhanced recovery protocol versus standard of care in radical cystectomy: an Indonesian experience

Background This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol and standard of care (SC) in bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). The length of stay and complications rates were the primary outcomes. Time functional recovery, bowel movement, mobilization, drain removal, and other perioperative outcomes were the secondary outcomes. Methods A cohort retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the modified ERAS protocol compared to SC in 61 patients who underwent RC (36 ERAS vs. 25 SC). Results The modified ERAS protocol was associated with shorter length of stay (9.3 ± 5.0 days vs. 12.6 ± 6.7 days, P = 0.032) and reduction in important postoperative milestones, including days to first solid diet (3.5 ± 1.6 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5, P = 0.000), days to first defecation (4.8 ± 2.4 vs. 7.2 ± 2.4, P = 0.001), days to first walking (4.7 ± 2.2 vs. 7.9 ± 2.4, P = 0.000), and days to drain removal (3.9 ± 1.3 vs. 5.9 ± 2.5 P = 0.001). Postoperative complications rates were lower in the modified ERAS groups, but the result was not statistically significant (P = 0.282). Also, there were no significant differences between transfusion requiring, intensive care monitoring, re-operation, and re-admission between groups. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the modified ERAS protocol for RC can accelerate postoperative recovery without any adverse effects on morbidity and mortality.