Objective: to determine the feasibility and desirability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in an overnight versus a several day admission.
Background: Although LC is performed in U.S.A. as outpatient surgery this has not been generally accepted in Europe. The main objections, are the risk of complications becoming apparent at home. Considering the specific local conditions and the general attitude towards early discharge we tried to assess the degree of feasibility and acceptance of a overnight admission in our patients.
Methods: Two groups of forty patients each, with symptomatic gallstones, received LC either in an overnight or a several day admission. Preoperative and intraoperative data and postoperative recovery were prospectively assessed.
Results: The general and female age, the duration and frequency of the biliary pain, the duration and the degree of difficulty of the operation and the necessity of the subhepatic drainage were all significant in favour of the group with a shorter stay. No postoperative complications were recorded.
Conclusions: Overnight LC is safe and effective in treating patients requiring LC. The option of the patient must also be considered.