Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as Day Case Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility of performing Day Case Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Lc)
in selected cases at Shalamar Hospital Lahore by one surgeon.
Material & Methods: Patients having gall stones, chronic cholecystitis were admitted under
care of one surgeon in this study at 8 am in the morning. Selection criteria for this study included
(ASA) American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I or II, age below 40 years, well counselled
about operation and post operative care, responsible career at home, contact number for advice.
All patients were advised to attend out patient clinic 3 days post op. All patients were discharged
about 8pm to 10 pm same day.
Results: From February 2005 to February 2009 (4 years period) 70 patients were admitted for
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day case. All were discharged home at night. Two patients
required an overnight stay (2.8%); there was no conversion to open procedure. One patient was
re-admitted after midnight for pain and one patient was re-admitted next day for vomiting (2.8%).
68 patients were fully satisfied with day case procedure. (%)
Conclusion: Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure in fit, sensible,
educated patients if they have responsible care-giver at home.