Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day surgery operation: two centers experience

Day-surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DSLC) become the standard management of chronic gall bladder diseases worldwide due to its safety and feasibility. The aim of the present study was to study DSLC at two secondary care governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia with a separate day-surgery unite in terms of complications, same-day discharge, to identify early discharge associated problems, and to determine patient satisfaction. Methods: Over a 3-years period, all patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under the authors were prospectively studied. Patients fulfill criteria for DSLC were offered the procedure. All patients were asked on follow up postoperatively about their satisfaction and recommendation of DSLC for their relatives and friends. Results: Eight hundred and sixteen patients underwent elective day surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomies, predominantly female (89.7%) and ASA I (77.2%) with a mean age 38.1± 18.7 years. Eighty eight percent of the patients were discharged directly from the day surgery unite, and nearly 89.6% of the patients were discharged within 24 hours of the operation. Re-admission following hospital discharge was necessary for 3 patients (0.37%). The overall rate of complications was 1.35% (11patients). At follow-up, 701 patients (97.36%) were satisfied with their experience undergoing DSLC. Conclusions: Our findings support the evidence that DSLC is safe and feasible. Many patients satisfied with their length of stay and day surgery ward care although we extend the criteria for DSLC.