Overnight Observation Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gall bladder stone. There is controversy regarding the optimal candidate and postoperative observation time for patients post laparoscopic cholecystectomy. OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical and surgical factors, which could determine if patient need to be kept either as 24-hour observation or discharge home at same day post elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from January 2017 to May 2020 on consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients’ demographics, surgical and postoperative details were analyzed. RESULT:  203 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, the median age was 38 (IQR, 20–50) years, mean postoperative stay was 1.2 ± 0.57 days. Fifteen (7.4%) patients were discharged home at the same day. Three (1.5%) patients were re-admitted; 149 (71.8%) patients might be discharged home at same day. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients can be successfully managed with day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy without overnight stay. The median time of 4 hrs. is sufficient for postoperative observation. The main significant factor for overnight observation in this study was drain presence