Meta analysis of 2059 patients assessing early discharge after DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Comprehensive outcomes before post-operative day 5

Autologous reconstruction with DIEP flap has illustrated greater patient satisfaction with both aesthetic satisfaction and reconstructive treatment process when compared to implant-based reconstruction longitudinally. However, DIEP flap breast reconstruction is associated with longer in-patient hospitalizations to monitor flap status. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to report outcomes regarding the use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, particularly looking at the impact on complication rates in patients who undergo DIEP flap procedures and are discharged within 5 days after surgery. A computerized search was conducted on September 29th, 2023 using the MeSH terms “Free Tissue Flaps” OR “Myocutaneous Flap” OR “Surgical Flaps” AND “Patient Discharge”. Twenty-four papers reporting on 2059 patients were included in the study, and four study groups were created by length of stay as follows: LOS 1–1.99 days = Group 1, LOS 2–2.99 days = Group 2, LOS 3–3.99 = Group 3, and LOS 4–5 days = Group 4 (control). An independent samples t-test was performed to compare the mean rates of each complication between Groups 1 and 4, Groups 2 and 4, and Groups 3 and 4. This meta-analysis showed no significant differences between rates of hematoma, seroma, infection and reoperation between groups. There was a significantly lower rate of total flap loss in all 3 groups with LOS less than 4 days when compared to the group with LOS between 4 and 5 days. This meta-analysis shows that appropriate patients may be discharged safely as early as POD1 following DIEP flap.