Early Discharge Reduces Postdischarge Complications in Minimally Invasive Colectomy

A retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between discharge timing and postdischarge complications in patients undergoing uncomplicated elective colectomy. After matching the early discharge group with the delayed discharge group, the study found that early discharge was associated with lower odds of postdischarge complications in laparoscopic and robotic approaches. However, there was no significant difference in open colectomy. The study suggests that surgical teams can safely select patients for early discharge after uncomplicated colectomy, particularly in minimally invasive approaches.