Comparing the Average Length of Hospital Stay for Patients Who Received General Anesthesia Versus Other Forms of Anesthesia: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The type of anesthesia administered during surgery significantly influences recovery times and hospital length of stay (LOS). While general anesthesia (GA) is commonly used for major surgeries, regional anesthesia (RA) and local anesthesia (LA) may offer quicker recovery times. This study aims to compare the average LOS for patients undergoing surgery with GA, RA, and LA. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at MIHS Provincial Hospital, Janakpur, Nepal, analyzing records from patients who underwent elective surgeries with either GA, RA, or LA. A total of 120 patients were included, with 40 in each anesthesia group. The primary outcome, LOS, was compared between groups. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and regression analysis to account for confounders. Results: The mean LOS for GA patients was significantly longer (3.7 days) compared to RA (2.1 days) and LA (1.3 days) patients. Postoperative complications such as nausea, vomiting, and delayed mobilization contributed to the extended stay in the GA group. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed that GA was independently associated with longer LOS. Conclusion: General anesthesia was associated with a longer hospital stay compared to regional and local anesthesia. These findings suggest that the type of anesthesia may play a significant role in postoperative recovery and hospital discharge planning.