Leading the Way: Memorial Hospital’s First Same-Day Discharge Joint Replacement Patient

When Memorial Hospital in Belleville introduced its same-day-discharge joint-replacement program last year, Kevin Sweeney, 71, from Fairview Heights, Illinois, didn’t hesitate to undergo surgery under the new program. Kevin had been experiencing knee pain for seven years, and it had gradually worsened over time.  

Under the care of BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon Blakelyn Busse, DO, Kevin first tried conservative treatments, including cortisone injections and physical therapy. When those options no longer provided lasting relief, Dr. Busse discussed total knee replacement as the next step.  

Dr. Busse performed Kevin's knee replacement surgery, and Kevin became the first patient to participate in Memorial's same-day-discharge program.  

Same-day discharge allows eligible patients to return home the same day as their hip or knee replacement, which research shows can be just as safe and effective as an overnight hospital stay for the right candidates.

“I thought it was an excellent idea,” Kevin says. “The opportunity to recover at home was important to me.

A strong candidate for same-day discharge

Patients considered for same-day discharge are evaluated carefully based on their health history, ability to participate in rehabilitation, and support at home, always with safety as the top priority.  

Same-day discharge after total joint replacement isn’t an option for every patient, but after evaluation by his orthopedic care team, Kevin was identified as a good candidate. He was in good overall health, highly motivated, and already accustomed to physical activity. A retired aerospace engineer, Kevin power lifts, runs, practices martial arts, takes care of 40 acres of land, and keeps bees.  

Before surgery, Kevin attended educational sessions and received detailed guidance on what to expect—from recovery and mobility to incision care at home.  

“The team members at Memorial prepared me very well,” he says. “I knew exactly what I needed to do.”

That preparation is a key part of Memorial’s same-day joint-replacement approach, which is planned around patient comfort and safety, early movement, and a smooth transition home.

Walking within hours

Kevin’s early morning surgery went smoothly, and recovery began almost immediately.  

Physical therapy started shortly after he woke up, helping support early mobility, which has been shown to reduce stiffness, support healing, and help many patients rely less on pain medication.  

“The therapy team stretched my knee and got me moving,” Kevin says. “I had a 90-degree range of motion, enough to sit in a chair comfortably, before I left the hospital.”  

By early afternoon, Kevin was walking and heading home.

Recovering where it matters most

For Kevin, going home wasn’t just convenient; it made recovery easier.  

“I was more comfortable at home,” he says. "There wasn't an increased risk of infection or any complications, and I had family support at home, too. I was the first same-day-discharge patient. That was pretty cool."

Studies show that patients who are good candidates for same-day discharge often recover just as well, and sometimes faster than those who stay overnight in the hospital, with many returning to daily activities sooner.  

Kevin followed his care team’s instructions closely, focused on strength exercises, and received outpatient physical therapy from Therapy Services at Memorial Hospital for several weeks.

Back to full strength

Today, Kevin is back in the gym doing squats, running, and practicing Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense technique.  

“Life is back to normal,” he says. “My knee feels great and is so much better than it was before surgery.”

During his follow-up visit, Dr. Busse confirmed that everything is healing exactly as expected.  

“He told me the new knee is perfect,” Kevin says. “Dr. Busse is an artist. He did amazing work and I am grateful to him. When it is time for my other knee to be replaced, I’ll go back to him without hesitation.”

Kevin credits not only his surgeon, but also the team behind him.  

“The staff at Memorial were amazing,” he says. “They provided top-quality care. I wouldn’t ask for anything else.”  

As Memorial continues to expand access to same-day joint replacement, Kevin’s experience reflects what is possible when personalized care, careful planning, and patient motivation come together, allowing patients to recover safely, comfortably, and get back to what they enjoy doing.

To learn more about our location or to schedule an appointment, call 618-234-9884 or visit  BJC Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Belleville. 

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