Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the operation of choice for chol elithiasis. Aims The alms of our study were to assess the feasibility of day case lapar oscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) in selected patients. Methods DCLC was introduced in this unit in July 1999. The first 50 patient s were prospectively evaluated up to February 2001. Results All patients were under 55 years of age with an ASA grade of I (n=4 8) or II (n=2). The mean age was 41.1 years (range 20-55 years) and the mal e:female ratio was 1:6. All patients had a standard anaesthetic protocol. P atients were discharged 10 to 12 hours postoperatively with a pro forma, wh ich was reviewed at one week in the clinic. The conversion rate was 2%. Thr ee required overnight admission due to excessive nausea, hypertension and f or an unforeseen psychosocial problem. Ninety per cent of patients were sui table for same day discharge. No patient required subsequent readmission. Conclusion DCLC is feasible and safe in carefully selected patients and has the advantages of convenience and cost-effectiveness.