149 ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to compare ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with overnight LC and to determine its safety and the factors which will predict its success.


METHODS
Ambulatory LC was defined as LC followed by less than a 12-h stay in the ambulatory surgery unit; overnight LC was defined as LC followed by a hospital admission of less than 24 h. A retrospective chart review was completed.


RESULTS
One hundred forty-nine ambulatory LC, were performed in an 18-month period. Ninety-one were successful (61%); 58 patients required overnight admission for pain management, control of nausea, or their reluctance to be discharged. There were five complications and no mortalities. The duration of the surgical procedure was the only significant objective factor we could find in predicting success of ambulatory LC.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that ambulatory LC is safe and effective in treating patients requiring cholecystectomy. The duration of the procedure and the patient's own motivation are key factors in predicting success of early discharge.
Fiorillo
M A
MA
Department of Surgery, Staten Island University Hospital, NY 10305, USA.
Davidson
P G
PG
Fiorillo
M
M
D'Anna
J A
JA
Sithian
N
N
Silich
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010343:Patient Admission; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome