The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Medical and psychosocial effects of early discharge after surgery for breast cancer: a randomised trial. BMJ 1998; 316: 1267-71.

Published: 1st January 1998

Authors: Bonnema J, van Wersch AMEA, van Geel AN, Pruyn JFA, Schmitz PIM, Paul MA et al. et al.

Conclusion

One hundred and thirty-nine women with operable breast cancer were enrolled, 69 were randomized to discharge home four days after surgery with drains in situ. The rest were discharged after their drains were removed (mean 9 days). There were no differences in wound complication rates or degree of satisfaction based on detailed psychological measurements.

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