Vaginal hysterectomy. Study of early discharge and implications

Authors: S. N. M. Youssif; R. S. Ledward 

Affiliation: South-East Kent Health District,

Published in: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Volume 13, Issue 5 September 1993 , pages 355 - 357

Subject: Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health

Abstract:  Early postoperative discharge (48-72 hours) was planned for 20 patients in whom vaginal hysterectomy was performed for indications other than utero-vaginal prolapse. All were thought to be fit for early discharge from hospital to their homes under family doctor and district nurse care. One patient was readmitted 10 days after the operation with deep venous thrombosis, treated with heparin and then warfarin, and discharged seven days later. Another patient was readmitted 14 days after the operation with vaginal cuff infection, treated with antibiotics, and discharged three days later.   We believe early discharge (48-72 hours) after vaginal hysterectomy is safe and economical. Implications are discussed.