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Same-evening discharge after carotid endarterectomy: our initial experience
Maureen K Sheehan1, Howard P Greisler, Fred N Littooy
1Division of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. wbaker@lumc.edu
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|February 26, 2004
Summary
Same-evening discharge after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is safe for selected patients. Optimizing scheduling and patient education can enable most patients to go home within 8 hours of CEA.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Patient Discharge Protocols
Background:
- Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a common surgical procedure.
- Optimizing patient recovery pathways is crucial for healthcare efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial implementation of a same-evening discharge algorithm for CEA patients.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of early discharge post-CEA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of a prospective database.
- Analysis of patient data over a 3-year period (January 2000 - December 2002).
Main Results:
- 186 out of 207 CEA patients qualified for same-evening discharge.
- 32% (59 patients) were discharged same-evening without adverse events.
- Late operating room exit was the primary reason for delayed discharge.
Conclusions:
- Same-evening discharge is safe and feasible for select CEA patients.
- Nearly one-third of patients were discharged within 8 hours.
- Improved scheduling, patient education, and physician awareness can increase same-evening discharge rates.