In response to COVID-19, the urogynecology department at TriHealth has recently transitioned to a same day discharge (SDD) model for our major pelvic reconstruction surgeries with total vaginal hysterectomy. Traditionally, these patients were admitted for overnight observation and discharged to home on postoperative day one. SDD after major pelvic reconstructive surgery is new in our department, but multiple studies have shown that SDD after hysterectomy is safe, cost effective, and well received by patients.~While patients have been accepting of SDD, they often have questions in the preoperative period about what to expect once they are discharged home. Previous research has shown that patients appreciate advice and recommendations from others who have previously had the same surgery; often reporting improved outcomes and satisfaction. Direct advice and narrative stories from other patients can provide a more personal experience of the day-to-day coping postoperatively that the physician cannot necessarily provide.~We would like to get our patients' perspective on what happened immediately after surgery, in the hospital and at home. By expanding our awareness as providers of what challenges patients face upon discharge, we will be better able to counsel patients in the preoperative period, improve patient satisfaction with surgery and SDD, and help develop strategies to mitigate areas of concern regarding the surgical process.
This is a prospective cross-sectional study to describe patients' perceptions and experience regarding same day discharge following pelvic reconstructive surgery including total vaginal hysterectomy, in order to improve future patient counseling and expectations.