True day surgery or 23-hour admission for unselected elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

H.M. Patersona, R. McMillana,b, S.J. Nixona

aDept. Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, U.K. bAmbulatory Surgery Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, U.K.

Abstract
Aim: To examine the use of the ambulatory surgery unit (ASU) for unselected elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: Data were collected for 1 year. High risk patients were excluded. Standard surgical, anaesthetic and discharge protocols were used.
Results: In 1 year, 258 of 275 patients (94%) admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy via the ASU were discharged within 23h of admission including 62 patients (23%) discharged on the day of surgery.
Conclusion: The ASU is the optimal location for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy to maximise day case throughput.

This study was in part supported by a grant from XX

Keywords : Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Day case; Ambulatory surgery

Corresponding author :- S.J. Nixon – Tel:+44 012 4567 ; Fax : +44 012 4567, E-mail: stuartnixon@random.uk