Feasibility of same day discharge following total laparoscopic hysterectomy in District General Hospital (2024)

Type of publication:

Conference abstract

Author(s):

*Malik N.; *Sahu B.; *Parry-Smith W.; *Elsheikh M.;

Citation:

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: RCOG 2024. Muscat Oman. 131(Supplement 5) (pp 20), 2024. Date of Publication: 01 Oct 2024.

Abstract:

Introduction: Hysterectomy is one of the commonest gynecologic surgical procedures and an increasing number of hysterectomies are being completed minimally invasively. Previously, hysterectomies have been performed as in-patient operative procedures to manage post-operative pain and monitor post-operative complications such as symptomatic anemia or delayed return of bowel function. Studies have described same-day discharge after laparoscopic hysterectomy to be safe and acceptable and same-day discharge can reduce hospital costs and decrease iatrogenic complications associated with hospitalization such as venous thromboembolic complications due to delayed mobilization or infections. A quality improvement project to assess the feasibility of implementing same-day discharge protocols for patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in district general hospital in west midlands. <br/>Design(s): A quality improvement project was conducted to evaluate success rates of same-day discharge, adherence to pre and postoperative protocols, incidence of complications, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction levels. Material(s) and Method(s): The project involved analysing clinical records of patients who underwent TLH for benign and oncological indications over a six-month period (May2023 to October 2023) at shrewsbury and telford NHS Trust. Compliance with multimodal perioperative protocols, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction were assessed retrospectively. Result(s): Out of 40 cases of Total laparoscopic hystrectomies, 12 cases (30%) were successfully discharged on the same day. Further analysis revealed that oncological cases had a higher same-day discharge rate (40%) compared to benign cases (12%). Reasons for overnight stay were, anxiety (5 patients), Haematuria (2 patients), Surgeons decision (10 patients), drain insitu (3 patients) social reasons (5 patients) and no reason was documented in three patients. Two patients were readmitted in 24-48 h with pain and infection symptoms. Conclusion(s): In gynecology, laparoscopic hysterectomy has become increasingly prevalent due to its minimally invasive nature. This shift aims to enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The findings of this study indicate that same-day discharge following TLH is feasible without compromising patient safety. Key factors contributing to successful implementation include standardized techniques, collaboration with anesthestists and theatre teams, adequate postoperative nursing care, and comprehensive preoperative patient counseling. This study underscores the importance of a coordinated approach involving various healthcare professionals to ensure successful same-day discharge protocols for TLH patients. By optimizing perioperative care pathways and patient education, hospitals can effectively implement same-day discharge practices, thereby improving patient experience and resource utilization.

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17946

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