Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as day-care surgery.

Aim: To share our experience as day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to assess its safety and feasibility in local set up. Methods: All patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy as day care from October 2011 to April 2012 at Akhtar Saeed Trust Hospital and Farooq Hospital Lahore after fulfilling the criteria were included in study. There were 50 patients. The patient’s demographic details investigations operative and post operative complications were recorded. The discharge criteria was formulated based on post anaesthesia discharge scoring system. All patients who discharged at 9pm were considered day case. All patients who remained admitted at night were noted. The reasons for overnight stay were also evaluated. Results: Fifty patients were selected for day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Out of all fifty patients 5 patients (10%) had to stay overnight. The main reason (6%) of overnight stay was post op pain, and vomiting whereas post operative hemorrhage (2%) and biliary leakage from accessory duct (2%) were other reasons for unplanned admissions. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe, feasible and effective day care procedure in selected patients.