Early discharge with elevated C-reactive protein levels is safe after endoscopic-assisted coronary bypass grafting: Optimisation of postoperative care.

Objective: This study describes the perioperative kinetics of C-reactive protein in patients undergoing endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting for single target vessel left anterior descending disease, with early postoperative discharge.

Methods: From July 2021 to April 2024, patients were included in this single-centre retrospective study (N = 208), excluding C-reactive protein-modulating complications. Perioperative and 14-day follow-up C-reactive protein levels and clinical signs of infections were analysed.

Results: After endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting, the C-reactive protein values on the first postoperative day were 44 [24-65] and 140 [88-200] mg/L at Day 3. Most patients were discharged after 3 days (64.4%), regardless of the level of C-reactive protein, and the majority experienced a return of C-reactive protein levels to baseline during follow-up, 6 [6-15] mg/L. Two patients had an infection requiring intervention and readmission (1.0%).

Conclusion: The return of C-reactive protein to baseline levels at follow-up and the low incidence of clinical infections suggest that patients can be discharged safely, and prolonged hospitalisation is unnecessary. For perioperative care practitioners, these findings underscore the value of shorter hospital admissions in optimising resource use and improving patient flow, enhancing both patient outcomes and operational efficiency.