Introduction and hypothesis: Previous research has not evaluated patient experiences following vaginal reconstructive surgery using a same-day discharge model. The objective of this study was to describe patient experiences following major vaginal reconstructive surgery and same-day discharge.
Methods: In this descriptive study, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic reconstruction were preoperatively enrolled. Questionnaires detailing experience with same-day discharge, surgical recovery, and advice for prospective patients were completed. Our primary outcome was question 7 of the Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire: Looking back, if you "had to do it all over again" would you have the surgery again? Descriptive statistics were performed, and correlations were performed with Spearman's rank test.
Results: Sixty patients were enrolled; 54 underwent surgery. Eighty-seven percent of patients completed the 12-week questionnaire. At 12 weeks, 96% of patients (n = 45) would have the surgery again, and 91% (n = 42) were satisfied with the results of surgery. Twelve weeks postoperatively, the most common patient-reported complications were urinary tract infection (n = 8, 17%), catheter concerns (n = 5, 11%), and constipation (n = 5, 11%). When asked to list the best parts of their surgical experience, half of patients felt that this was the office staff or physician themselves (n = 24, 51%). When asked what advice they would provide to future patients, the most common responses included having a support person at home and taking time for recovery.
Conclusions: In this sample of women receiving same-day discharge following vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic reconstruction, we present a unique insight into the most common patient concerns postoperatively. Rates of satisfaction and comfort were high.
Keywords: Patient satisfaction; Same-day discharge; Vaginal prolapse surgery.
© 2023. The International Urogynecological Association.