Current trends in the management of radical retropubic prostatectomy: is short-stay RRP feasible in the United Kingdom?
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to review UK practice in the management of radical retropubic prostatectomy and identify opportunities to reduce LOS to American levels.


METHODS
A survey was conducted of BAUS members regarding LOS and postoperative management.


RESULTS
Out of 551 surveys 126 were returned. Mean LOS in the UK is 5.2 days. Opiate analgesia, PCA and postoperative epidural may delay discharge. Diet and mobilization are commenced at 1.7 and 2.1 days, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Care pathways can safely reduce LOS to 2 days. Protocols to reduce LOS in the UK should be assessed and their impact on cost and quality-of-life evaluated.
Midwest Urology Research Foundation, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60640, USA. mdzn25@dial.pipex.com
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Ramsden
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Thurairaja
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Persad
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Chodak
D017048:Health Care Costs; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States