title: [Not Available].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed minimal invasive surgery. However, practice of its use as an ambulatory surgery in our hospital settings is uncommon.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate safety and cost effectiveness of LC as an ambulatory day care surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quasiexperimental.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones were selected for Ambulatory LC. They were admitted electively on the same day and operated on in the morning hours and discharged after a check by the surgeon 6-8 hrs later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of fifty (n = 50) patients selected for ambulatory LC, 92% were discharged successfully after 6-8 hrs observation. No significant perioperative complications were noted. Unplanned admission and readmission rate was 8 and 2%, respectively. Cost saving for the daycare surgery was Rs. 6,200, Rs. 13,300, and Rs.22,800 per patient as compared to in patient general, semiprivate, and private ward package, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Practice ambulatory LC is safe and cost-effective in selected patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones.
authors: Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors: Athar
authors: A
authors: Ali
authors: Tabish
authors: T
authors: Chawla
authors: Abid
authors: A
authors: Jamal