[Experiences with outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

Objective: To determine the feasibility and desirability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in day care.

Design: Prospective, pilot study.

Setting: Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Method: Fifteen patients (ASA I/II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists) with symptomatic gallstones underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the intention to discharge them the same day. Data were collected about: pain (visual analogue scale); pain medication before and after discharge; (rc)admissions; consultations of general practitioner or day care centre; complications; satisfaction of the patients about this treatment modality.

Results: Fourteen patients could be discharged after 6.2 hour (standard deviation 1.2) of observation. The pain scores and medication use were low. Readmissions did not take place and there were no consultations of general practitioners or the day care centre. These patients had no complications. Thirteen of them preferred day care over admission in hospital. One patient was admitted because of colicky pains and a common bile duct stone was diagnosed, which was removed endoscopically.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in day care appears feasible in patients with symptomatic gallstones and no functional incapacities if day care facilities are present.