title: Feasibility of day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy in unselected patients.
abstract: The feasibility of day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy was assessed in unselected patients using a standard anaesthetic protocol. Postoperative pain and nausea were assessed at 6 and 24 h postoperatively (visual analogue scale, range 0-10). Thirty-two patients were studied (23 female, 9 male, mean age 49.6 years). The mean duration of surgery was 68 min. At 6 h after surgery, 10 patients (31%) had no pain at rest. For the group as a whole, the median pain score was 3 at rest (range 0-6), 4 on movement (0-9), and 5 on coughing (0-9) and eight patients (25%) were nauseated. At 24 h, 15 (46.9%) had no pain at rest. For the group as a whole, the median pain score was 1 at rest (0-7), 3 (0-6) on movement and 3 on coughing (0-9). The same eight patients were nauseated. Ten patients (31.3%) were judged fit for discharge at 6 h, and 28 (87.5%) by 24 h. There was no statistical difference in mean age or duration of surgery in those judged fit for early discharge compared to the study group as a whole. Nausea was an important factor in those unfit for discharge at 24 h. Selection criteria might improve these figures. From the results of our study, 24 h admission is a more realistic goal and will be suitable for most patients requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
authors.affiliation: Royal United Hospital, Bath.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tuckey
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Peden
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tate
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications