149 AMBULATORY LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMIES

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare ambulatory laparo scopic cholecystectomy (LC) with overnight LC and to determine its saf ety and the factors which will predict its success. Methods: Ambulator y LC was defined as LC followed by less than a 12-h stay in the ambula tory surgery unit; overnight LC was defined as LC followed by a hospit al admission of less than 24 h. A retrospective chart review was compl eted. Results: One hundred forty-nine ambulatory LC, were performed in an 18-month period. Ninety-one were successful (61%); 58 patients req uired overnight admission for pain management, control of nausea, or t heir reluctance to be discharged. There were five complications and no mortalities. The duration of the surgical procedure was the only sign ificant objective factor we could find in predicting success of ambula tory LC. Conclusions: We conclude that ambulatory LC is safe and effec tive in treating patients requiring cholecystectomy. The duration of t he procedure and the patient's own motivation are key factors in predi cting success of early discharge.