Early discharge after surgery for breast cancer may be beneficial

Shorter hospital stays are a new trend in surgery. Bonnema et al (p 1267) studied the effects of early discharge from hospital after surgery for breast cancer in a randomised trial of 125 women. Satisfaction with the shorter stay was high, and the duration of drainage from the axilla and the incidence of wound complications did not differ in those who were discharged early and those who remained until their drain was removed. The experience of psychosocial problems was similar in the two groups, as were the coping strategies used. Women who had shorter hospital stays were more likely to discuss their illness with their family.


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Relevant Article

Medical and psychosocial effects of early discharge after surgery for breast cancer: randomised trial
Jorien Bonnema, Anneke M E A van Wersch, Albert N van Geel, Jean F A Pruyn, Paul I M Schmitz, Marinus A Paul, and Theo Wiggers
BMJ 1998 316: 1267-1271. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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