A prospective study of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy: training economic, and patient benefits

Even though ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) is safe and cost effective, this approach has yet to gain acceptance in the United Kingdom. We report our 5-year experience of ALC with emphasis on its appropriateness for higher surgical training.

Between July 1997 and July 2002, patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who met with appropriate criteria underwent ALC. Surgery was performed either by a consultant surgeon or a higher surgical trainee (HST) under direct supervision in our dedicated day surgery unit. Data were recorded prospectively and patients were interviewed postoperatively by an independent researcher.

There were 269 patients (231 female and 38 male) with a median age of 46 years (range 17-76). Conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in three cases (1%). Of the patients, 79% (213) were discharged within 8 hours of surgery; 95% (256) were discharged on the same day. Thirteen patients (5%) required overnight admission as inpatients. An HST performed 166 (62%) of the procedures. There was a statistically significant difference in operating time between consultants (41 min) and trainees (47 min, P = 0.001) but no significant difference in clinical outcome or patient satisfaction. The mean procedural cost to the hospital was 768 pound sterling for ALC compared with 1430 pound sterling for an inpatient operation. Of patients, 87% expressed satisfaction with the day case operation.

Our results for ALC compare favorably with published series. In addition, we have demonstrated that the operation can be performed safely by HST under direct supervision without compromising operating lists or safety.