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Study Analyzes Same-Day Discharges After Vaginal Hysterectomy
Today, vaginal hysterectomies are performed in a minority of cases. The advent of innovative minimally invasive approaches – including laparoscopic hysterectomy and robotic hysterectomy – has rendered vaginal hysterectomy much less common. According to surgical data, hysterectomies performed through the vaginal route decreased from 28% in 1998 to 20% in 2010.
Recovery time and the length of hospital stays are common concerns for patients undergoing all types of hysterectomy surgery. Recovery time and hospital stays can also affect expenses for both patients and health care providers. Recently, several medical experts conducted a study to determine whether same-day discharges were feasible and safe. They focused on vaginal hysterectomies.
Same-day discharge after hysterectomy has interested medical practitioners for some time. In previous studies, researchers have noted that discharges within 12 to 24 hours after both laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies are feasible. However, outpatient hysterectomies have not been readily adopted and doctors still routinely admit patients overnight after hysterectomy surgery.
Study Findings
The study – which you can view here – profiled 1,071 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomies. Each patient was given preoperative counseling about managing pain and nausea, as well as instructions for medications and hydration before and after surgery. Surgeons also adhered to a well-outlined outpatient protocol.
Results from the study found that 96% of the patients were discharged within 12 hours of surgery. 41 patients – roughly 4% - stayed in the hospital overnight for pain or nausea, or because of traveling distance from the hospital to their homes. Five patients required readmission or emergency room treatment.
Ultimately, the study demonstrated that same-day discharges after vaginal hysterectomies are feasible and safe. The study also found that difficult situations could be treated using the vaginal approach, including cases involving:
The study sheds new light on how medical practitioners and patients can benefit from more efficient surgeries and more comfortable recoveries. Additional research, improved technology, and other medical breakthroughs will only help to improve surgical efficiency and patient recovery.
If you or your loved one is located in New York or the tri-state area and would like more information about hysterectomy surgery, complete a contact form or call (888) 885-8311 to receive a second-opinion from Dr. Seckin. A leading figure in the field of hysterectomy, Dr. Seckin offers his support and expertise to patients and families throughout the region and the country.
