Systematic review of day-case laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is increasingly being performed on a day-case basis. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review published data on day-case or ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication and discuss the differing criteria for patient selection, postoperative management and patient outcomes presented in each series.


METHODS
An optimally sensitive search strategy of subject headings and text words were used and the databases used included MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. All databases were searched from 1 January 1994 onwards.


RESULTS
A total of seven papers were included in the present review, of which six were prospective single-cohort studies. Overall, there was large heterogeneity among the studies but with similar complication and readmission rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term outcomes for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in terms of complications and readmission rates are comparable to inpatient procedures. However there is a paucity of published data.
Ng
Raphael
R
University of Adelaide Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia.
Mullin
Emma J
EJ
Maddern
Guy J
GJ
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D018662:Fundoplication; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome