Outpatient shoulder surgery in Munich – procedure, preparation and aftercare
Many shoulder conditions can now be treated minimally invasively and on an outpatient basis.
Modern surgical methods using keyhole techniques, gentle anesthesia procedures and structured aftercare concepts make it possible for patients to often go home just a few hours after the operation.
In this article you will learn:
How an outpatient shoulder surgery is performed
Which shoulder surgeries are possible on an outpatient basis
How to best prepare
What to consider after the operation
When sports and work will be possible again
Which shoulder surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis?
Following preparation in our Munich practice for shoulder and elbow surgery, numerous procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis in our partner clinics.
Treatment of impingement syndrome
Minimally invasive calcium removal for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
Stabilization after shoulder dislocation
Surgery on the long biceps tendon
Cartilage therapy for cartilage damage
Arthroscopic AC joint stabilization
Treatment of frozen shoulder
Cyst removal and nerve release
Rotator cuff reconstruction
Removal of loose bodies in the joint
Metal removal
Advantages of outpatient shoulder surgery
Many patients prefer outpatient treatment because they recover faster at home. Modern pain management concepts and standardized procedures ensure a high level of safety combined with great comfort.
Short hospital stay
Rest and relaxation in the home environment
Low burden from hospital stays
Individual aftercare
Preparation for outpatient shoulder surgery
Before every operation, a thorough diagnosis and consultation takes place.
Together, the available findings will be discussed and a plan will be developed to determine whether the procedure is suitable for outpatient surgery.
Later in the procedure, a consultation regarding the anesthesia will take place. During this consultation, pre-existing conditions, medications, and individual risks will be taken into account.
Important: You must arrive on the day of surgery fasting and need someone to pick you up after the procedure. You will receive detailed information during the surgery planning appointment.
The day of the operation
On the day of your surgery, please check in at the clinic or surgical center at the agreed time. After the final preparations, you will speak again with your surgeon and the anesthesia team.
The anesthesia is then administered.
Anesthesia during shoulder surgery
Most shoulder surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Additionally, a regional anesthetic technique (plexus block) is frequently used.
Reduced pain after surgery
Less need for painkillers
Greater comfort in the first few hours
Shoulder arthroscopy – modern keyhole technique
During shoulder arthroscopy, a camera and special instruments are inserted through skin incisions just a few millimeters in size.
This allows many diseases to be treated in a particularly tissue-sparing manner.
Advantages of arthroscopy:
Minor scars
Less soft tissue damage
Less pain
Faster rehabilitation
Precise diagnostics and therapy
After the operation
After the procedure, you will be cared for in the recovery room. There, your circulation, pain management, and the wear-off of the anesthesia will be monitored.
When can I go home?
Most patients can go home on the same day.
The following are required:
Stable circulation
Sufficient pain relief
No significant nausea
Existing accompanying person
The first few days after the operation
The first follow-up appointment takes place the day after the operation at our shoulder and elbow surgery practice in Munich. Here you will receive:
Doctor's letter and surgical report
Medication plan
Post-treatment regimen
Physiotherapy recommendation
Further check-up appointments
In the first few days, the focus is on wound healing, pain reduction, and protecting the operated structures.
Depending on the procedure, you will receive an arm sling or shoulder brace. Physiotherapy often begins shortly after the operation.
When can I go back to work?
The duration of your incapacity for work depends on the type of procedure and your occupation. Office work is often possible sooner than physically demanding jobs.
When can I resume exercising?
The return to sport is individual. Light activities are often possible sooner, while overhead and contact sports usually require a longer rehabilitation period.
Frequently asked questions about outpatient shoulder surgery
How long does an outpatient shoulder surgery take?
Depending on the procedure, an outpatient shoulder operation usually takes between 30 and 120 minutes.
Can I go home the same day after shoulder surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. The procedure is such that after the procedure and monitoring, you will be picked up by a person you trust.
Is shoulder arthroscopy painful?
Modern anesthesia and pain management techniques usually allow for very good control of discomfort during and after shoulder arthroscopy.
When can I drive again after shoulder surgery?
Only when mobility, reaction time and freedom from pain have been sufficiently restored.
When should I start physiotherapy after outpatient shoulder surgery?
Depending on the procedure, in most cases this occurs just a few days after the operation.
Which shoulder surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis?
Many arthroscopic shoulder procedures, such as rotator cuff reconstructions, calcific tendinitis surgeries, or stabilization procedures, can be performed on an outpatient basis.
What are the chances of success after shoulder surgery?
With correct indication and consistent follow-up treatment, the results of modern shoulder surgery are very good.
Conclusion
Many shoulder surgeries can now be performed on an outpatient basis.
Shoulder arthroscopy allows for a particularly gentle treatment.
Modern anesthesia techniques improve pain management.
Dismissal often takes place on the same day.
A structured follow-up treatment is crucial for success.
Shoulder and elbow surgery Munich
Are you suffering from shoulder pain or do you need shoulder surgery?
Prof. Dr. Ben Ockert and Priv.-Doz. Dr. Johannes Gleich will be happy to advise you personally.
Schedule an appointment with our specialists now :
Specialist in Orthopedics
and trauma surgery,
Sports medicine
Priv. Doc. Dr. me d. John Equal
Specialist in Orthopedics
and trauma surgery,
Emergency medicine
