Factors determining convalescence after uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Hypothesis: Detailed information on duration and limiting factors for conva lescence after uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy is lacking. Durat ion of convalescence may be associated with patients' expectations, given r ecommendations, and postoperative complaints such as pain and fatigue. Design: Prospective, descriptive study. Setting: A university hospital. Patients: Two hundred consecutive patients who underwent uncomplicated elec tive laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intervention: For sedentary, light, or moderate workload or main recreation al activity, we recommended 2 days of postoperative convalescence; for stre nuous workload or recreational activity, we recommended 1 week. Main Outcome Measures: Duration and reasons for absence from work. Results: Convalescence from work (n=85) and recreational activity (n=198) w as 6 days (range, 0-28 days) and 2 days (range, 0-24 days), respectively, i n patients recommended for 2 days' convalescence. In patients recommended f or 1 week of convalescence, convalescence from work (n=25) was 10 days (ran ge, 0-52 days), and convalescence from main recreational activity (n=2), 8 days (range, 5-11 days). Among 87 patients who resumed work. or activity la ter than recommended, pain was a contributory cause in 41 patients, fatigue in 35 patients, and convalescent period falling on a weekend in 26 patient s, while 29 patients had arranged vacation or sick leave preoperatively. Pr eoperative expectation of convalescence and pain were independent contribut ory factors (P<.01) for convalescence from work for longer than 2 days in p atients recommended for 2 days' convalescence. Conclusions: The period of convalescence after uncomplicated laparoscopic c holecystectomy is about 1 week from work and 2 days from recreational activ ity when 2 days of convalescence is recommended. Improved pain relief and p atient information may further reduce convalescence.