Patient experiences following prolapse surgery implementing a same-day discharge model: a prospective study

Introduction and hypothesis Previous research has not evaluated patient experiences following vaginal reconstructive surgery using a same-day discharge model. The objective of this study was to describe patient experiences following major vaginal reconstructive surgery and same-day discharge. Methods In this descriptive study, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic reconstruction were preoperatively enrolled. Questionnaires detailing experience with same-day discharge, surgical recovery, and advice for prospective patients were completed. Our primary outcome was question 7 of the Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire: Looking back, if you “had to do it all over again” would you have the surgery again? Descriptive statistics were performed, and correlations were performed with Spearman’s rank test. Results Sixty patients were enrolled; 54 underwent surgery. Eighty-seven percent of patients completed the 12-week questionnaire. At 12 weeks, 96% of patients ( n = 45) would have the surgery again, and 91% ( n = 42) were satisfied with the results of surgery. Twelve weeks postoperatively, the most common patient-reported complications were urinary tract infection ( n = 8, 17%), catheter concerns ( n = 5, 11%), and constipation ( n = 5, 11%). When asked to list the best parts of their surgical experience, half of patients felt that this was the office staff or physician themselves ( n = 24, 51%). When asked what advice they would provide to future patients, the most common responses included having a support person at home and taking time for recovery. Conclusions In this sample of women receiving same-day discharge following vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic reconstruction, we present a unique insight into the most common patient concerns postoperatively. Rates of satisfaction and comfort were high.