Value and relevance of routine postoperative blood sample analysis after general surgery-a single centre analysis of 1198 patients

BACKGROUND: Routine blood sample analysis is performed in most surgical institutions after general surgery on the first postoperative day. Substantial economical impact is thereby generated in addition to patient distress caused by venous puncture. AIM: The presented study was designed to analyse the relevance of postoperative routine blood sampling with special focus on patient safety. METHODS: 1198 patients undergoing minor general surgical procedures (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, groin hernia repair) at our institution were retrospectively analysed. Data was gathered and forwarded to statistical evaluation with respect to patient safety and economical impact / cost-saving potential. RESULTS: In 5,3% of our patients there was clinical impact of postoperative blood sampling. Relevant medical treatment consequences were derived for complicated appendectomy cases only. DISCUSSION: Our data suggests that routine postoperative blood sample analysis after minor general surgery has very little impact on the further clinical course. Patient safety is not at risk. Regarding the economical and distressing impacts of routine blood-drawing post-operatively it should be evaluated if routine sampling may be limited to special interest cases.