Early discharge after vaginal hysterectomy.

Over eight months, 66 patients seen in the author's private practice were deemed suitable candidates for vaginal hysterectomy; 41 of these chose to participate in a continuing study of the feasibility of early discharge after the operation. The principal indication for surgery in these women, who ranged in age from 24-68 years, was abnormal bleeding. Other procedures performed in addition to vaginal hysterectomy did not, in most patients, interfere with early dismissal from the hospital. With the exception of one woman, all were discharged within 24 hours after surgery. There were no cases of delayed infection, hemorrhage, or other postoperative complications that could be attributed to early hospital dismissal. Most patients were able to return to their normal activities much sooner than the usually expected four to six weeks after surgery.