MDNews - Mid Hudson

Cover Feature Vassar Brothers medical Center has an excellent surgical department with orthopedic-specialized anesthesiologists, Dr. stamer says. making the hospital stay much easier on patients. For instance, patients can obtain walkers and other assistive devices before surgery. They also formalize their discharge plans during the preoperative class, allowing for smooth transitions after surgery. In the hospital, patients experience a concierge-like care experience, s a y s Fr a n k T. L o m b a r d o , M D, "A lot of people who experience joint pain don't realize help is available. They may be candidates for procedures that could vastly improve their lives. There is no reason to live with pain." — David t. stamer, mD, FaaOs, orthopedic surgeon, mid hudson medical group 8 | Mid Hudson MD News ■ MDNEWs.COM orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist with Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County. "They sleep in private rooms, where family members can stay over if they wish," Dr. Lombardo says. "Families have the option to take preoperative classes with patients and learn to assist them with physical therapy in the hospital after surgery and following discharge." An orthopedic coordinator walks patients through every step of the process, from classes to hospital stay to recovery, to ensure everything is in place to make the return to a home environment and an active future successful. After surgery, advanced recovery options — including home care and inpatient rehabilitative therapy — are available, depending on the patient's level of independence and functionality. When the patient returns home, a nurse may visit to ensure the wound is healing, and a physical therapist may also visit until the patient sees his or her orthopedist for the first time after surgery. The patient may then begin outpatient physical therapy or continue with the home therapist if preferred. Physical therapy may last from six to 12 weeks after surgery. At VBMC, physicians are involved in postsurgical follow-up and quality control as well. Typically, patients receive two follow-up calls: the first to check on his or her wellbeing and identify unmet needs, the second to ask about the patient's total experience with orthopedic surgery. "I hear two recurring themes in these conversations," Dr. Lombardo says. "First, patients feel this is the best hospital experience they have had. They would recommend it to others. Second, they say they did not need to travel outside the Hudson Valley area to receive excellent orthopedic care." Orthopedic surgeons also "close the circle" w ith referring physicians, providing operative notes and other information. "If there has been any problem, I make a personal call to the referring physician," Dr. Lombardo says. "I speak with that physician about what may be happening and how we can both be involved in helping the patient improve." Managing Pain One specific area of patient education and support centers on pain management. The experienced anesthesiologists at VBMC offer many pain relief techniques to joint replacement patients. During surgery, patients typically receive a spinal anesthetic, unless it is not indicated due to a spinal problem. A catheter nerve block to the joint that has undergone surgery allows patients to Frank t. Lombardo, mD, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Renaldo discuss recent updates in orthopedic procedures in one of the new, state-of-the-art operating rooms.

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