Same-evening discharge after carotid endarterectomy: our initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to review the initial implementation of a same-evening discharge algorithm for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA).


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients undergoing CEA over 3 years.


RESULTS
From January 2000 to December 2002, 207 patients underwent CEA, of which 186 qualified for same-evening discharge. Fifty-nine patients (32%) who qualified were discharged to home the same evening; none had an adverse event after discharge. The most common reason for patients not to be discharged the same evening was exiting the operating room too late (n = 63, 34%). Thirteen patients chose to stay overnight, and 11 patients did not go home secondary to physician choice. None of these patients experienced any adverse sequelae during the overnight stay.


CONCLUSIONS
Same-evening discharge after CEA is safe and feasible in selected patients. Currently, nearly one third of our patients are discharged within 8 hours of CEA. With appropriate scheduling, patient education, and increasing physician awareness, most patients can be discharged to home the same evening after CEA.
Sheehan
Maureen K
MK
Division of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. wbaker@lumc.edu
Greisler
Howard P
HP
Littooy
Fred N
FN
Baker
William H
WH
D000465:Algorithms; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome