Reduced length of stay following carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia.

Overview

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. PATIENTS AND 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.