Abstract
Introduction: Postoperative management of patients following surgical procedures has become increasingly standardized to optimize the effectiveness of care provided
Methods: A review of the hospital length of stay and postsurgical pain management following minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair was done at a large tertiary referral center in the Midwest before and after implementation of a standardized postoperative order set, protocol for postoperative activity, revision of patient education materials, and collaboration with the pediatric pain service.
Results: Statistically significant differences were shown in the hospital length of stay of patients following standardization and then again with collaboration with the pediatric pain service.
Discussion: Continuous review of current processes with implementation of innovative practice changes has led to improved quality of care of patients following minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair.