Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a safe and cost effective procedure

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Health Economics

Background:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Evaluating day case procedures is crucial for healthcare efficiency.
• Assessing the safety and cost-effectiveness of outpatient surgery is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed as a day case procedure.

Main Methods:

• A standard four-cannula technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used.
• Propofol anesthesia, prophylactic antiemetics, and pre-emptive analgesia were administered.
• Patient selection criteria included age under 60, desire for same-day discharge, no jaundice history, no anesthetic contraindications, and adult home support.

Main Results:

• Out of 103 patients, 51 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as day cases.
• Three day case patients required overnight admission due to pain or drain necessity.
• The median hospital stay was 12 hours, with an approximate cost of £419 per operation.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day case procedure is safe and cost-effective.
• This approach should be considered for carefully selected patients.
• The study supports the feasibility of outpatient gallbladder surgery.