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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient procedure
1Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices, Bakersfield, CA 93389-1299, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers a safe and effective alternative for gallbladder removal. This study demonstrates high patient acceptance and same-day discharge rates, making it a viable option for elective procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Procedures
- Gastroenterology
- Ambulatory Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is predominantly performed on an inpatient basis or in hospital-affiliated outpatient settings.
- Current practices limit the widespread adoption of independent ambulatory surgical centers for this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed at an ambulatory surgical center independent of hospital infrastructure.
- To assess patient outcomes, including complication rates, recovery time, and discharge status.
Main Methods:
- A review of 213 cases of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy conducted at a standalone ambulatory surgical center.
- Patient selection based on medical history and physical examination.
- Standard general anesthesia with minimized narcotic use; intraoperative cholangiography was omitted.
Main Results:
- The procedure duration was 1-2 hours for 75% of patients.
- Conversion to open cholecystectomy occurred in 2.8% of cases.
- Mean recovery was 6.6 hours, with 97% of patients discharged the same day. No major complications or retained common duct stones were observed.
Conclusions:
- Elective outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with low morbidity.
- High patient acceptance and successful same-day discharge (>95%) are achievable in dedicated ambulatory settings.
- This approach offers a viable alternative to traditional inpatient or hospital-based outpatient procedures.