Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Telehealth follow-up after cholecystectomy is safe in veterans.
Abbitt, Danielle; Choy, Kevin; Castle, Rose; Carmichael, Heather; Jones, Teresa S; Wikiel, Krzystof J; Barnett, Carlton C; Moore, John T; Robinson, Thomas N; Jones, Edward L.
  • Abbitt D; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. danielle.abbitt@cuanschutz.edu.
  • Choy K; Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA. danielle.abbitt@cuanschutz.edu.
  • Castle R; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
  • Carmichael H; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
  • Jones TS; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
  • Wikiel KJ; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
  • Barnett CC; Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
  • Moore JT; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
  • Robinson TN; Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
  • Jones EL; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Surg Endosc ; 2022 Aug 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2290465
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges including barriers to delivering high-quality surgical care and follow-up while minimizing the risk of infection. Telehealth has been increasingly utilized for post-operative visits, yet little data exists to guide surgeons in its use. We sought to determine safety and efficacy of telehealth follow-up in patients undergoing cholecystectomy during the global pandemic at a VA Medical Center (VAMC).

METHODS:

This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing cholecystectomy at a level 1A VAMC over a 2-year period from August 2019 to August 2021. Baseline demographics, post-operative complications, readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits and need for additional procedures were reviewed. Patients who experienced a complication prior to discharge, underwent a concomitant procedure, had non-absorbable skin closure, had new diagnosis of malignancy or were discharged home with drain(s) were ineligible for telehealth follow-up and excluded.

RESULTS:

Over the study period, 179 patients underwent cholecystectomy; 30 (17%) were excluded as above. 20 (13%) missed their follow-up, 52 (35%) were seen via telehealth and 77 (52%) followed-up in person. There was no difference between the two groups regarding baseline demographics or intra-operative variables. There was no significant difference in post-operative complications [4 (8%) vs 6 (8%), p > 0.99], ED utilization [5 (10%) vs 7 (9%), p = 0.78], 30-day readmission [3 (6%) vs 6 (8%), p = 0.74] or need for additional procedures [2 (4%) vs 4 (5%), p = 0.41] between telehealth and in-person follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Telehealth follow-up after cholecystectomy is safe and effective in Veterans. There were no differences in outcomes between patients that followed up in-person vs those that were seen via phone or video. Routine telehealth follow-up after uncomplicated cholecystectomy should be considered for all patients.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Journal subject: Diagnostic Imaging / Gastroenterology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00464-022-09501-6

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Journal subject: Diagnostic Imaging / Gastroenterology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S00464-022-09501-6