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Dr. Harness discusses whether a mastectomy is an inpatient or an outpatient procedure.
Dr. Harness, M.D.:
Good question. Most mastectomies involve at least what’s called a 23-hour stay in the hospital. The vast majority of patients have such minimal pain the next day that they would like to go home. Is it possible to do a mastectomy as an outpatient? Yes. I think using long-acting local analgesia before you make any incisions.
The question is also complicated by the fact, are you doing immediate reconstruction? Excuse me, and if you put a tissue expander in when you are doing the immediate reconstruction, it’s probably a two-day stay, although we have had patients go home again, under 24 hours.
About Dr. Harness, M.D.:
Dr. Jay Harness, M.D., is the Director at St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center. Practicing medicine for 35 years, Dr. Harness specializes in general surgery and medical oncology. Graduating medical school from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, he conducting his internship and residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Recognized nationally and internationally for his work in breast and endocrine surgery, Dr. Harness is the immediate past-President of The American Society of Breast Surgeons and is President-elect of Breast Surgery International. Dr. Harness can assist patients in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Visit Dr. Harness at St. Joseph Hospital