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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Single-Port Robotic-assisted Transaxillary Breast-conserving Surgery: A Prospective, Single-arm, Non-randomized Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Published on: August 19, 2025
Fast-track surgery for breast cancer is possible
Birgitte G Mertz1, Niels Kroman, Helene Williams
1Sektion for Brystkirurgi, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. birgitte.goldschmidt.mertz@rh.regionh.dk
Danish Medical Journal
|May 16, 2013
Summary
Fast-track surgery significantly reduced hospital stays for breast cancer patients, decreasing average length of stay (LOS) from 3.6 to 1.2 days. This enhanced recovery program improved patient outcomes and department efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Patient Care Pathways
Background:
- Breast cancer affects over 4,100 Danish women annually.
- Fast-track surgery was introduced in 2008 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.
- A new clinical pathway was developed for breast cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical pathway for breast cancer patients post-fast-track surgery implementation.
- To evaluate the impact of the fast-track program on patient care and hospital resources.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway.
- Inclusion of anaesthetic, analgesic, and antiemetic protocols.
- Standardized drain, wound, discharge, and psychosocial support management.
Main Results:
- Mean length of stay (LOS) reduced from 3.6 to 1.2 days.
- Mastectomy LOS decreased from 5.0 to 1.6 days.
- Department bed reduction of 30% and establishment of a nurse-led clinic.
Conclusions:
- Short hospital stays are feasible for breast cancer patients.
- The fast-track program created a clear pathway and efficient routines.
- Patients reported feeling safe and confident with early discharge.
