PACU discharge: equally safe and more cost-effective than floor admission for uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common emergency surgical procedure worldwide, known for its benefits of reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. Although postoperative care typically involves observation on the surgical floor, advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care have introduced the potential for discharging patients directly from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). This study aims to evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of direct PACU discharge compared to traditional floor admission for patients undergoing uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy.