Association of Surgical Start Time with Outcomes of Benign Hysterectomy

To evaluate whether surgical start time is associated with clinical and financial outcomes of hysterectomies performed for benign indications.

Retrospective cohort study.

University 5-hospital healthcare system.

Women who underwent benign hysterectomy between 2014 and 2019.

None.

We analyzed demographic, operative, and financial data to evaluate the relationships between surgical start time and perioperative outcomes including operating room time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, same-day discharge, and adverse perioperative events. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of surgical start time on total hysterectomy charges. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic and linear regressions were performed adjusting for confounders. Our study identified 2894 women who underwent benign hysterectomy, with 1910 hysterectomies starting prior to 12 pm (am group) and 984 hysterectomies starting after 12 pm (pm group). A pm start time was associated with higher estimated blood loss (Median 100, interquartile range 50, 200 in the am group vs Median 125, interquartile range 75, 250), increased length of stay, and decreased likelihood of same-day discharge. No significant differences were noted in the rates of adverse perioperative events between the 2 groups. Surprisingly, an afternoon start time was associated with decreased total hospital charges (median am $14 055.30 versus median pm $11 724.80). These cost differences persisted after multivariate linear regression, and when stratified by hysterectomy surgical approach, remained significant in the open and laparoscopic cohorts.

Afternoon hysterectomy start time is associated with increased blood loss and length of stay with decreased rates of same-day discharge; however, there was no associated increase in perioperative adverse events or mortality. Awareness regarding surgical start time and outcomes can guide surgical scheduling and optimize same-day discharge.