Safety and Perioperative Outcomes of Suburethral Slings Performed at Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Abstract

Introduction:

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have noted increasing surgical volume. Studies evaluating safety and efficacy have determined ASCs are comparable to hospital-based operating rooms (HBORs). Safety outcomes for suburethral slings in this setting have not been explored.

Hypothesis:

Safety of suburethral slings is comparable between HBORs and ASCs.

Methods:

This retrospective study evaluated outcomes of suburethral slings at ASCs compared with HBORs from November 2016 to January 2022. A total of 259 patients, 18 years or older, undergoing suburethral sling surgery were included. The primary outcome was number of emergency department visits within 90 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, estimated blood loss, rates of postoperative urinary retention (POUR), and rates of readmission within 90 days. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann–Whitney U Test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical.

Results:

A total of 259 subjects were analyzed: 140 (54%) at a hospital-based setting and 119 (46%) at an ambulatory surgery setting. There were no differences in subject demographics. The primary outcome was comparable between groups as were secondary outcomes, with the exception of length of stay and POUR. Median length of stay at ambulatory centers was 48 minutes less than at a hospital-based setting (p < 0.001); however, rates of retention were increased (30.3% vs. 12.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Suburethral slings performed at ASCs are comparable in safety to those performed at HBORs.