A single-institution case series of outpatient same-day mastectomy: Implementation of a quality improvement project and initiative for enhanced recovery after surgery

Abstract

Background: National data demonstrate a trend toward outpatient same-day mastectomy. The possible drivers of this change include the costs related to hospital admission and effective management of postoperative pain. We retrospectively analyzed our single-institution experience with outpatient same-day mastectomy that incorporates a multimodal pain management regimen. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent same-day mastectomy at a single academic hospital. All patients received a multimodal, perioperative pain management regimen consisting of the intraoperative administration of 1,000 mg of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and 30 mg of IV ketorolac, combined with the operating surgeon performing a 4-to 5-level, midaxillary, intercostal nerve block using liposomal bupivacaine. All patients were discharged with a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine, along with options for nonnarcotic alternatives as needed for pain. Results: We reviewed the data on 72 patients who underwent mastectomies: 11 (15.3%) bilateral and 61 (84.7%) unilateral. The average age was 57 years, and average body mass index was 30 kg/m2. The average length of stay of 4 to 6 hours was a marked reduction compared to a 23-hour observational period or an inpatient hospital stay. The average follow-up was 20.1 weeks. Five patients presented to the emergency department (ED) within the 30-day postoperative period, with 2 patients (2.8%) requiring readmission to the hospital for non–pain-related issues. The other 3 patients (4.2%) were evaluated for specific pain-related issues but did not require admission and were discharged home from the ED. Conclusion: Our data support outpatient same-day mastectomy incorporating a multimodal, perioperative pain management regimen as a safe and feasible treatment option. Potential additional benefits may include decreased oral opioid use and cost savings for the hospital.