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Updated: May 13, 2026
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A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2008
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Same-day discharge in craniotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Marcio Yuri Ferreira1, Silvio Porto Junior2, Savio Batista3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA.
Summary
Same-day discharge (SDD) after craniotomy is safe and feasible for selected patients, showing high success rates and low complication rates compared to normal discharge. This approach offers a viable option when appropriate patient selection criteria are used.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Craniotomy patients traditionally require extended hospital stays for monitoring.
- Advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and postoperative care enable same-day discharge (SDD).
- The feasibility and safety of SDD for craniotomy patients require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge (SDD) in patients undergoing craniotomy.
- To compare outcomes of SDD versus normal discharge in craniotomy patients through a meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science) up to December 2023.
- Included studies reported on craniotomy patients discharged on the same day (single-arm or comparative).
- Meta-analysis used random-effects models to assess success rates, complications (major/minor), reoperation, readmission, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Analysis of seven observational studies (715 patients in single-arm, 731 in comparative) showed an 88% success rate for SDD.
- Low rates of readmission (2% within 24h, 1% after 24h), total complications (2%), and no major complications or mortality were observed.
- Comparative analysis revealed no significant difference in complications or mortality between SDD and normal discharge groups.
Conclusions:
- Same-day discharge (SDD) is a highly feasible and safe option for selected craniotomy patients, including those undergoing tumor resections.
- SDD demonstrates high success rates and low failure/reoperation rates.
- When appropriate selection criteria are applied, SDD presents a viable alternative to normal discharge without evidence of increased harm.
