Feasibility of Day Surgery in Patients With Breast Conservation and Sentinel Node Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study was to analyze feasibility of day surgery in breast cancer patients with breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was a randomized controlled trial comparing day surgery with one night hospital stay in breast cancer patients with breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy. A total of 40 patients with ⩽3-cm tumor and clinically N0 were randomized to one night stay group and 38 patients to day surgery group. Within discharge, patients and their relatives were given questionnaires in order to evaluate their experience regarding the duration of hospital stay. RESULTS Randomized groups were similar regarding patient age and tumor stage. A total of 18 (47%) day surgery group patients were discharged the same day. The most common reason for overnight hospital stay was axillary clearance, 9 (24%). None of the patients in the day surgery group, but 2 patients in the overnight hospital stay group had re-operation due to complications. Perception and preference results were analyzed both according to randomization and actual treatment groups. Patients in both groups had rather similar experiences on the first postoperative day. Also, spouse's or relative's perception after discharge was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Day surgery was well received by the patients and their relatives. Day surgery appears as feasible in patients with breast conservation and sentinel node biopsy.