Implementation of a same-day discharge bariatric surgery program and follow-up with a telemonitoring platform

Abstract

IntroductionSome groups have initiated outpatient bariatric surgery programs in selected patients, publishing good results after sleeve gastrectomy. Recent studies show that outpatient surgery is also feasible and safe in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze the results of our initial experience after the implementation of a same-day discharge bariatric surgery program using a telemonitoring system. MethodsWe have completed a prospective, observational study with 14 consecutive, selected patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) at a single center from April 2021 to February 2023, with home follow-up using the REVITA® telemonitoring platform (HI Iberia, S.A.) and the Home Hospitalization Unit. ResultsFrom April 2021 to February 2023, 14 patients were selected for this program, which meant 7.3% of the total of 191 patients who underwent bariatric surgery during this period. Ten out of the 14 patients selected completed the circuit (71.4%), 4 of whom consulted the emergency department within the first 24 h (40%). There were no serious complications, readmissions or re-operations typical of bariatric surgery.The estimated savings per patient who completed the circuit was €762. ConclusionBariatric surgery without hospital admission is feasible and safe in selected patients using a telemonitoring platform and with the support of a home hospitalization unit.