Laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity: outpatient procedure versus overnight stay.
BACKGROUND
In western countries, laparoscopic gastric banding is increasingly used in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, morbidity, and costs of an outpatient procedure (OP) compared with an overnight stay (OS).


METHODS
In a 2-year period, 50 consecutive patients were randomized to an OP group or an OS group.


RESULTS
In the OP group, 76% of the patients were successfully discharged the same day, without readmissions. Four procedures were converted, and one complication occurred. The patients in the OP group seemed to experience more pain (p = 0.009). Satisfaction scores were 8.1 (OP) and 8.8 (OS) (p = 0.06). Half of the OP patients and most of the OS patients preferred a clinical admission. The OP treatment cost 600 euros less than OS.


CONCLUSIONS
With proper patient selection, laparoscopic gastric banding can be performed safely and at lower cost as an outpatient procedure.
Wasowicz-Kemps
D K
DK
Department of Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Koekoekslaan 1/ Postbus 2500, 3430, EM, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. D.Wasowicz@antonius.net
Bliemer
B
B
Boom
F A
FA
de Zwaan
N M
NM
van Ramshorst
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome