One day surgery in breast cancer patients: Safe and feasible procedure

Abstract

11589 Background: To determine the effect of early discharge from hospital after surgery for breast cancer on physical and psychological illness. Moreover the study aimed to evaluate the management of post operative symptoms and postoperative care. Methods: From January 2006 to October 2007, all breast cancer patients undergoing conservative breast cancer surgery or total mastectomy were offered surgery as an outpatient at One Day Surgery Unit. Results: Two hundred sixty-three patients underwent outpatient surgery for a total of two hundred eighty-three surgical procedures. The age of 263 patients varied from 14 years old to 94 years old, 54 of 263 (20,5%) patients remained in the hospital for one night after surgical procedure regarding total axillary resection. In our series, no hospital readmission was recorded during the first night and the first week and no death occurred. Conclusions: Ambulatory surgery for breast cancer patients is safe and feasible. We haven’t an increased rates of physical or psychological illness from early discharge after surgery for breast cancer. This policy can be recommended for patients with support at home. No significant financial relationships to disclose.