Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the possibility of doing mastectomies (surgical removal of the breast) as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient doesn’t have to stay overnight in a hospital. The authors studied all patients who had this surgery between January 2019 and September 2021.

The results showed that more than half of the surgeries (62.4%) were done as outpatient procedures. There was a noticeable increase in outpatient mastectomies over time, with a significant jump during the second quarter of 2020, which was when the first wave of COVID-19 hit.

The study found that the only major obstacle to doing mastectomies as outpatient procedures was when both breasts needed to be removed. The study also found that a similar percentage of patients in both the outpatient and inpatient groups had to return for unplanned additional care, and the reasons for these returns were similar across both groups.

In conclusion, the study shows that it is possible and safe to do mastectomies as outpatient procedures. The only significant barrier is when both breasts need to be removed. The rate of unexpected complications or the need for additional care was not significantly different between the outpatient and inpatient groups.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient mastectomies?
  2. What are the advantages of outpatient mastectomies over inpatient mastectomies?
  3. What was identified as a significant barrier to outpatient mastectomy in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about mastectomy is to make sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including proper wound care and monitoring for any signs of infection. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and recovery. If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your recovery, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for outpatient mastectomy include those who are undergoing unilateral mastectomy, have no significant comorbidities, have a good support system at home, and are motivated to participate in their own care. Patients who require bilateral mastectomy or have significant medical conditions that require close monitoring may not be suitable candidates for outpatient mastectomy. However, the study mentioned above showed that even patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy could potentially be considered for outpatient mastectomy with careful selection and monitoring.

Timeline

Before mastectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer or other medical condition necessitating mastectomy.
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative consultations and tests to determine eligibility for surgery.
  3. Surgical date is scheduled, and patient prepares for the procedure by following preoperative instructions.
  4. Patient undergoes mastectomy surgery in a hospital setting.
  5. Patient may stay in the hospital for postoperative care and monitoring.

After mastectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored for any immediate postoperative complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical area.
  3. Patient receives instructions for postoperative care, including wound care and pain management.
  4. Patient may be discharged from the hospital and return home to recover.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Patient may undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
  7. Patient undergoes physical and emotional recovery, potentially including rehabilitation or counseling.
  8. Patient may consider breast reconstruction options if desired.
  9. Patient continues long-term follow-up care to monitor for recurrence or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about mastectomy include:

  1. Is outpatient mastectomy an option for me?
  2. What are the benefits of outpatient mastectomy compared to inpatient mastectomy?
  3. Are there any specific criteria that I need to meet in order to be eligible for outpatient mastectomy?
  4. What can I expect during the outpatient mastectomy procedure?
  5. How long is the recovery time for outpatient mastectomy compared to inpatient mastectomy?
  6. What are the potential risks or complications associated with outpatient mastectomy?
  7. Will I have access to post-operative care and support if I choose outpatient mastectomy?
  8. How will pain management be handled after the outpatient mastectomy procedure?
  9. What follow-up appointments will be necessary after outpatient mastectomy?
  10. Are there any specific guidelines or recommendations for self-care at home following outpatient mastectomy?

Reference

Authors: van Zeelst LJ, Derksen R, Wijers CHW, Hegeman J, Berry R, de Wilt JHW, Strobbe LJA. Journal: Breast J. 2022 Jun 1;2022:1863519. doi: 10.1155/2022/1863519. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35711886