Implementation of a short-stay programme after breast cancer surgery (Br J Surg 2010; 97: 189-194).

摘要

We read with interest the recent article by de Kok and colleagues, which reports on the introduction of a care programme to facilitate short-stay admission following breast cancer surgery. In line with previous national increases in short-stay breast cancer surgery we have previously conducted an audit of 162 breast procedures performed at the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK, from 1 to 24 October 2009. For this audit a day-case procedure was defined as a patient being admitted and discharged for operation on the same calendar day. By this definition, 54 (89 per cent) of 61 breast-conserving procedures compared with four (10 per cent) of 39 mastectomies were performed as day-care procedures. In total, however, 84 per cent of patients who had a mastectomy went home on the day of surgery or the following day. Drains and axillary surgery did not influence successful day care. However, only a quarter of patients aged over 70 years, irrespective of operation, managed a day-care procedure. Adequate social support appeared to be the reason for a prolonged stay as an equal proportion of patients aged over or under 70 years had breast-conserving surgery.