Partial mastectomy and limited axillary dissection performed as a same day surgical procedure in the treatment of breast cancer.

A series of 133 patients treated for breast cancer with partial mastectomy and limited axillary dissection performed as a same day procedure is presented. For comparison purposes an additional 45 patients are presented who had the same operative procedure but stayed for 1 or more nights as an in-patient. Of those having the procedure on a same day basis complications included hematoma (0.8%), seroma (2.3%), infection (1.5%) and miscellaneous (0.8%). These results are similar to those for patients staying overnight. It is concluded that partial mastectomy and limited axillary dissection can be safely performed as a same day procedure with advantages to the patient of avoiding hospitalization, to the surgeon in avoiding excessive paperwork and in-hospital responsibilities, and to the third party insurers in reducing costs.