Examining Length of Hospital Stay after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Evaluation in a Case-Control Study

Background: While possessing numerous benefits, microsurgical breast reconstruction is associated with longer operative times and post-operative hospital length of stay compared to implant-based reconstruction. We therefore evaluate factors associated with increased length of stay (LOS) after microsurgical breast reconstruction with a case-control study design. Methods: All patients undergoing immediate or delayed abdominally-based microsurgical breast reconstruction over a two-year time period were identified. Risk factors associated with LOS greater than or equal to 5 days were identified. Results: A total of 116 patients undergoing immediate or delayed abdominally-based microsurgical breast reconstruction were identified. Of these, 86 (74.1%) had a LOS of 4 days or less (mean: 3.70 days) while 30 (25.9%) had a LOS of 5 days or greater (mean: 5.50 days). With regards to patient demographics and intra-operative factors, patients with a LOS of 5 days or greater were significantly more likely to have diabetes mellitus (p