Postoperative Telemedicine Use: Satisfaction and Safety After Benign Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial [ID 2683391]

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine for postoperative care can be appropriate after minimally invasive surgery, but few studies have examined this option in gynecologic surgery. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether virtual, compared to in-person postoperative care, after minimally invasive gynecologic procedures would increase patient satisfaction without negative safety concerns. METHODS: Patients were randomized to a telemedicine or in-person visit 2 weeks postoperatively. Eligible participants included women undergoing elective, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. All participants completed the PSQ-18 form with addendum questions at their 6-week postoperative visit. Chart review was performed to assess frequency of postoperative adverse events. The Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact test were used. RESULTS: Of 51 participants enrolled, 29 were randomized to standard (in-person) visits versus 22 randomized to intervention (telehealth). There was no statistical difference in the overall satisfaction with the postoperative care received between the intervention and the standard groups (93.8% agree or strongly agree versus 95.7%; P =1). There was no increase in postoperative complications in the intervention arm of the study, with an overall complication rate of 12.5% in all cases. CONCLUSION: It is reasonable to use telemedicine as an option for postoperative care based on shared decision-making with appropriate patients. A virtual postoperative visit is a safe option for patients who may not be able to travel to the office. Future study is ongoing to confirm statistical significance.