Delayed Discharge

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Scott M

​

Aim:  To assess both the rate and the reasons for delayed discharge in Day case inguinal hernia and groin repair in a busy consultant-led day-case unit over an 18 month period.

Method:  Retrospective analysis of the records of 235 patients who underwent inguinal hernia/groin repair over an 18-month period took place.

Results:  A total of 15 patients (6%) had a delayed discharge from day-case surgery over the time period. 11 cases of delayed discharge (73%) were attributed to poor post -operative recovery however there were 3 cases (20%) attributed to poor organisation on the part of the day-case unit. One case was unavoidable. (7%). Local Anaesthesia was utilised in 68 procedures (29%). The use of GA was associated with a significantly greater rate of delay in discharge compared to the LA mode of Anaesthesia (Fisher's Exact test p=0.0411).

Conclusions:  An optimisation of anaesthetic technique in relation to the balance between post-operative pain control and nausea and vomiting as well as greater accuracy in patient selection and the organisation of day-case surgery could lead to a reduction in delayed discharge rate.

Kelly, M; Reid, T; Singh, P; Scott, M. (2013).  Delayed discharge in day-case inguinal hernia and groin repair​ . International Journal of Surgery. 11 (8), 654

« Back