Outpatient Mastectomy (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised July 21, 1999 |
| Report Number |
98-445 |
| Authors |
Judith A. Johnson, Domestic Social Policy Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Reports in the media on outpatient mastectomy have raised concerns about the quality of care provided to breast cancer patients. Only a small number of fairly limited research studies have examined this issue. Studies to date found the average length of stay for a mastectomy declined from about 4 days in 1991 to about 2-3 days in 1995; in one study, the majority of mastectomy patients had a one-day stay in 1996. A major force behind this trend to a shorter length of stay is the desire to cut costs. Although there is little solid evidence in the published medical literature that outpatient mastectomies cause medical harm, larger and more comprehensive research studies are needed to better determine if the health of the patient is compromised.
