DEFINITIVE BREAST CANCER SURGERY AS AN OUTPATIENT: RATIONALE AND OUR EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of outpatient breast definitive surgery.

Case and Methods: Between January 2001 and September 2003 181 definitive breast cancer surgical approaches were performed at Surgical Department of Genoa University on 173 patients. Mean age was 60 years (28-92). All the patients were discharged the day of surgery or the day after in the morning.

Results: There were no major complications or deaths. The specific complication rate was similar to inpatient setting and there was no readmission. The patients’ quality of life and satisfaction were satisfactory or good.

Discussion: In conclusion, holding in due consideration some philosophical and technical changes, breast cancer surgery can be safely and confortably performed on an outpatient basis.