[Analysis of the length of stay in orthopedic surgery]

The records of 825 surgically treated patients were analysed with regard to pre-and postoperative in-hospital stay. It was only in 42% that the preoperative period was without any delay. Its extension was mainly caused by concomitant diseases (cardio-vascular-urological disorders) of the mostly elderly patients, who needed medical care before elective surgery. In the postoperative period an extended in-hospital stay was mainly caused by disturbed wound healing, anaemia and thromboembolism. The authors come to the conclusion that the preoperative therapy should be organised on an outpatient basis. This shortens the time spent in hospital and also the daily census, the rate of postoperative wound infections can be lowered at the same time.