title: Reduced length of stay following carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The widespread use of diagnosis-related groups has led to a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay following many surgical procedures. In light of this, an examination of early discharge following carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia was undertaken.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study of 72 patients was conducted, in which the workup was done on an outpatient basis, admission took place on the same day as surgery, and patients were discharged home on the day after carotid endarterectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no strokes or deaths following carotid endarterectomy, and only two transient ischemic attacks occurred. In 88% of the cases, discharge was possible on the first postoperative day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early discharge following carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia is safe and cost effective.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Tortolani
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies