Telehealth Follow-Up After General Surgery Procedures is Safe and Effective: Study Highlights Lower Complication Rates

Telehealth utilization for postoperative care in general surgery has rapidly increased during the pandemic, but its usage among the veteran surgical population remains limited. A retrospective review of veterans undergoing general surgery found that telehealth follow-up after qualifying procedures was safe and effective. Among the 1075 patients included in the study, 56% followed up in-person and 44% via telehealth. Telehealth patients had a lower complication rate of 6% compared to 12% in-person follow-up. The study suggests considering postoperative telehealth care, particularly for low-risk general surgery procedures.