[Not Available].
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.
Ali
Athar
A
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Chawla
Tabish
T
Jamal
Abid
A