[Preoperative management and patient education in fast-track arthroplasty].

BACKGROUND

Patient management and education are essential for successful fast-track hip/knee arthroplasty. Individual risk stratification as well as educational seminars play an important role in optimizing preoperative risk factors.

OBJECTIVES

Preoperative risk factors are discussed, and optimization strategies are highlighted in the context of the current literature. Further, our own results of an interdisciplinary patient seminar and a patient information app shall be discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In addition to the authors' own strategy concerning preoperative patient management and the execution of the patient information seminar and app, the essential papers from the literature will be discussed.

RESULTS

Preoperative risk factors (diabetes, obesity, anaemia, etc.) bear the danger of a prolonged length-of-stay with increased morbidity and mortality. Preoperative optimization can reduce the risk of complications and minimize the failure of the fast-track pathway. Educational seminars and patient information apps may reduce anxiety and postoperative analgesic consumption.

CONCLUSION

A good preoperative patient management in fast-track arthroplasty can reduce the risk of complications and a prolonged length-of-stay. A comprehensive patient education with educational seminars and an app contributes to optimally preparing the patient for surgery.