Outpatient mastectomy is a safe surgical option for patients treated in a rural Appalachian tertiary facility

Introduction

The feasibility of the outpatient mastectomy in a rural setting is poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of an outpatient mastectomy program in our tertiary care facility treating rural Appalachian patients.

Methods

We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of all women with breast cancer older than 18 years of age treated with mastectomy with or without immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital from 2019 to 2022. Our primary objective was to determine the 30, 60, and 90-day readmission rates and complications. Our secondary objective analyzed perioperative pain control variables that contribute to appropriate discharge.

Results

We identified thirty-two women between 2019–2022 who underwent same-day mastectomy at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Overall readmission rates at 30- 60- and 90-days were 3.1% (n = 1), 9.4% (n = 3) and 9.4% (n = 3), respectively. Two patients were admitted for reasons unrelated to surgery. The patient in the 30-day readmission group required washout for hematoma due to perioperative apixaban making the overall surgical readmission rate 3.1% (n = 1). Preoperatively, 90.6% (n = 29) of women received a local anesthetic block by the anesthesia provider. The mean milligram morphine equivalents received for the duration of the hospital encounter was 15.9 (STD = 10.1).

Conclusion

Outpatient mastectomy is a safe and effective option for eligible patients in rural settings. Careful patient selection and a multidisciplinary team should assess the individual circumstances to determine if outpatient mastectomy is appropriate.