Bilateral endoprosthesis surgery is now a common surgical procedure performed on patients with advanced degenerative diseases in both joints. However, as with any medical procedure, there are pros and cons that must be considered. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of bilateral arthroplasty surgery to help you make your decision.

Advantages of bilateral endoprosthesis surgery:

1. Treat both joints simultaneously : The biggest advantage of bilateral arthroplasty surgery is the ability to treat both affected joints at the same time, reducing the need for two separate surgeries and recovery times.
2. Shorter overall recovery time : Because both joints are operated on at the same time, the overall recovery time can be shorter than with two separate surgeries.
3. Improving quality of life : Bilateral arthroplasty surgery can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life by relieving pain, restoring range of motion, and increasing mobility.
4. One-time anesthesia and hospital stay : For bilateral arthroplasty surgery, anesthesia is administered only once and the hospital stay is shorter, which can reduce the overall cost.

Disadvantages of bilateral endoprosthesis surgery:

1. Increased risk of surgery : Since both joints are operated on at the same time, there is primarily an increased risk of surgery compared to unilateral surgery. However, the risk is lower than with bilateral treatment one after the other.
2. Increased blood loss : Bilateral arthroplasty surgery may be associated with increased blood loss during surgery, which may require a blood transfusion. Thanks to modern technology, this is now only necessary in very rare cases.
3. Longer rehabilitation time : The rehabilitation time after bilateral endoprosthesis surgery can be longer than after unilateral surgery because both joints have to heal at the same time. However, overall it is shorter.
4. Limited mobility during recovery : During the recovery period after bilateral arthroplasty surgery, mobility may initially be limited, which may temporarily affect patients in their daily activities.

Conclusion:

Bilateral arthroplasty surgery offers an effective treatment option for patients with severe joint disease in both joints. It's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and talk to your doctor about your individual needs and circumstances to make the best decision for your health. Please feel free to speak to Prof. Kutzner in the ENDOPROTHETICUM.