Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as an Outpatient Procedure: Experience from Our Department

Bouregba N, Mazouz AR, Khazri S, Bicha S, Niboucha ML and Djeroua K

Published on: 2024-06-06

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient procedure (LCOP) with maximum safety for the patient, lower morbidity rate, and better satisfaction index. Patients and methods: A prospective, single-center, descriptive study conducted between April 2017 and December 2018 involving 128 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in our outpatient department for patients meeting the following criteria: scheduled surgery, no major medical history, classified as ASA 1 or 2, living within one hour of the hospital. After LCOP, patients were discharged in the afternoon if their condition allowed. Results: Out of 128 patients scheduled for LCOP, 117 (90%) were discharged on the day of surgery with an overall satisfaction rate of 99%. Eleven patients stayed overnight, and no patient was readmitted after discharge. No patients required reoperation. Univariate analysis identified 4 factors associated with failure to perform this surgery on an outpatient basis: age (P=0.01), decompensation of a pre-existing condition intraoperatively (P=0.003), operative duration (P=0.0001), complicated nature of gallbladder lithiasis, and intraoperative bleeding, particularly hepatic bleeding (P=0.0003). Conclusion: LCOP can be routinely performed on a well-selected population. The rate of hospitalization following the procedure is very acceptable. In our center, avoiding overnight hospital stays significantly reduces the waiting time for this surgery, with significant economic benefits.