Reduced length of stay after vaginal hysterectomy

Background: The duration of hospital stays after operations is becoming an issue in German-speaking countries. We reviewed postoperative stays after v aginal hysterectomy at a university department during two 1-year periods. Material and Methods: Between August 1995 and July 1996 and between October 1996 and September 1997 a total of 146 vaginal hysterectomies were perform ed at our institution. Patients who underwent additional procedures for pel vic relaxation or stress incontinence, patients with carcinoma, and patient s with supplementary (private) insurance were excluded. During the second t ime period all patients received antibiotic prophylaxis, additional emphasi s was placed on early mobilization and early postoperative feeding, and pat ients were discharged from the hospital in the absence of complications if they felt ready. Early discharge was not an explicit goal. Complication and readmission rates were recorded prospectively. Results: The median postoperative stay decreased from 7 (5-9) to 5 (3-15) d ays (P < 0,001). Complication and readmisson rates were unchanged. Conclusion: Length of stay after Vaginal hysterectomy can be reduced withou t increasing complication rates.