Obesity increases operative time for total hip arthroplasties, according to a Journal of Arthroplasty study.
Researchers used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify a study cohort of 30,361 patients undergoing a total hip arthroplasty between 2006 and 2012. Morbid obesity was defined as having a body mass index greater than 40.
Here are four insights:
1. Morbid obesity independently increased operative time for THA by 13 minutes and operating room time, that is total time spent in the operating room, 18 by minutes.
2. Congestive heart failure led to the greatest increase in overall room time, resulting in a 20 minute increase.
3. Anesthesia method further influenced operating room time.
4. Specifically, general anesthesia increased room time by 18 minutes compared with spinal or regional anesthesia.