Sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant melanoma as day surgery.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant melanoma has been performed as day surgery at our hospital since August 2002. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess its feasibility compared to the inpatient procedure.


METHODS
A telephone survey and review of medical records was carried out for patients who had daycase, nonhead and neck sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant melanoma over an 18-month period. A similar matched number of inpatients were reviewed, comparing waiting times, prolonged hospital stay, complication rates and overall satisfaction.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of time from diagnosis to surgery, prolonged hospital stay and complication rates. However, in terms of overall satisfaction, 86.3% of daycase patients preferred their mode of admission whereas 52.9% of inpatients preferred their mode of admission (P=0.0003).


CONCLUSIONS
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (nonhead and neck) for malignant melanoma as day surgery is feasible and confers greater patient satisfaction, increased availability of inpatient beds and cost savings without compromising patient care.
Ng
Darren
D
Melanoma Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK. darren76@hotmail.com
Hutchinson
Sue
S
Pohl
Miklos
M
Powell
Barry
B
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors