Outpatient Total Shoulder Replacement Procedures

The number of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedures performed each year has continued to rise. While these procedures were historically done in the inpatient setting, many surgeons have migrated to performing TSA and RTSA in the outpatient setting. This can either involve sending patients home the same day from the hospital or performing these in an outpatient center. Specific protocols should be followed in regard to patient selection to minimize the risk of complications and readmission. Similarly, a team approach between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon is critical to ensure adequate pain control. Use of tranexamic acid (TXA), a preoperative nerve block as well as specific combinations of preoperative and postoperative medications are helpful in creating an optimal environment in which to perform the shoulder arthroplasty for the patient. When done well, TSA and RTSA can successfully be performed as an outpatient with a very high success rate and a low risk of complications