Early discharge following major gynaecological surgery

This prospective study was to assess the safety and acceptability to patients of early discharge after major gynaecological surgery. Selective patients who fulfilled certain criteria were offered early discharge after their operations. Forty patients were discharged within 72 hours. Fourteen of them had undergone abdominal hysterectomy, 5 with a mid-line incision; 13 had vaginal hysterectomy; 9 laparoscopy and laparotomy for ectopic pregnancy; 3 laparotomy for ovarian surgery and 1 a Manchester repair. The patients were discharged home on average 2.4 days after their operations. All were satisfied with their pain relief at home. There were 4 postdischarge complications. Two had superficial drip-site phlebitis, 1 a possible urinary tract infection and 1 a wound abscess. There was only 1 readmission 2 weeks post discharge for constipation. Thirty-one out of 40 (77.5%) of the patients had expressed that the home environment was more conducive to speedy recovery and 92.5% of the patients would choose early discharge again if given the option.