This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Routine day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. BJS 2004; 91: 312-316.
Published: 2nd February 2004
Authors: P. C. Leeder, T. Matthews, K. Krzeminska, T. C. B. Dehn
Background
A prospective study was carried out to assess the feasibility of performing true day‐case laparoscopic surgery in a district general hospital.
Method
All patients admitted consecutively under the care of one surgeon for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. Selection criteria for a day‐case procedure included an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I or II and the availability of a responsible carer at home. Patients were discharged 4–6 h after surgery with a standard analgesia pack and a contact number for advice. All patients were contacted by telephone on the day after discharge. A postal questionnaire was sent to the first 100 patients to assess satisfaction with the day‐case process.
Results
Of 357 patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a 24‐month period, 154 (43·1 per cent) were operated on as day cases on a morning theatre list. Twenty‐two patients required an overnight stay (14·3 per cent), three because of conversion to an open procedure. One patient was readmitted for neck pain. Eighty‐two (92·1 per cent) of 89 patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the day‐case procedure.
Conclusion
This study has demonstrated a low rate of overnight stay (14·3 per cent) and readmission (1·9 per cent), and a high degree of patient satisfaction for day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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