Quality Analysis of Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasty Using a State-Legislated Comparative Database and an Internal Hospital-Based System

This study analyzed trends in reduction mammaplasty at our institution using Atlas and Lastword databases for calendar years 1991 to 1998 and 1993 to 1998, respectively. Cases were identified by ICD-9-CM principle procedure codes. Patients were analyzed for length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, complications, and readmission. Readmissions to the hospital within 120 days were analyzed. Of 705 patients, 628 patients had LOS more than 24 hours, and 77 patients had LOS less than 24 hours. There was no difference in case-severity analysis in any of the 8 years. There was a significant reduction in average LOS from 2 to 1.1 days over the 8 years (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase per year in number of patients with LOS less than 24 hours (p < 0.002). There was no significant difference in readmission rates between patients with LOS less than 24 hours and LOS more than 24 hours. Reduction mammaplasty is a high-volume, relatively safe, plastic surgical procedure. There was no relationship between LOS and complications or readmissions.