[Short hospitalization in routine surgery. Experience with an unselected population]

Area of Science:

• Surgical outcomes
• Patient recovery
• Healthcare management

Context:

• Evaluating the feasibility and patient acceptance of short stay surgery for common elective procedures.
• Assessing factors influencing patient decisions regarding hospital discharge timing after surgery.
• Investigating the impact of patient demographics and pathology on short stay surgery adoption.

Purpose:

• To compare short stay surgery outcomes for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair, varicose vein treatment, and thyroidectomy.
• To identify patient-related factors affecting the acceptance of same-day or next-day discharge after surgery.
• To determine if short stay surgery impacts recovery or has adverse effects for these patient groups.

Summary:

• 398 patients undergoing surgery for inguinal hernia, varicose veins, or thyroid hyperplasia were offered short stay options.
• No significant differences in outcomes or recovery parameters were observed between day 1 and later discharges for hernia patients.
• Women with varicose veins and patients with complex thyroid conditions were less likely to opt for short stay surgery, though it had no adverse effects.

Impact:

• Short stay surgery is a safe and viable option for selected patients undergoing common elective procedures.
• Patient perception and social support systems appear to be key determinants in the adoption of short stay surgical pathways.
• This study highlights the need for patient-centered approaches in optimizing short stay surgical programs.