In selected patients outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and significantly reduces hospitalization charges.

The safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been demonstrated through its increased use, and we have performed 114 of these operations as outpatient procedures. These patients have done well and hospitalization charges have been reduced substantially. Of 622 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed from November 1989 to March 1991, 114 were done on an outpatient basis if the patients were generally healthy, lived nearby, and the operative procedure was uneventful. Other patients were admitted as 23-h observation or as inpatients. Records of 106 outpatients were reviewed and hospital charges obtained. These charges were then compared with those of 337 patients who underwent standard open cholecystectomy as morning admissions and who had no comorbid conditions nor complications. Comparisons are also made with 23-h observation and inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomies as well as with all standard open cholecystectomy patients. The technique employed is with three punctures using electrocautery and a minimum of disposable products. Of the 106 outpatients, one required admission for postoperative ileus and pain control; 21 (19.8%) experienced nausea and 14 (13.2%) experienced vomiting but were treated successfully with antiemetics; none required admission. One patient required outpatient catheterization for urinary retention. Of the last 100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by three surgeons (M.E.A., C.J.D., A.A.), 43 were performed as outpatients using the above selection criteria. 44 were held for 23-h observation, and 13 were inpatients. The average hospital charge for 377 uncomplicated morning-admitted inpatient standard cholecystectomy patients was $4,250.00, compared with $2,293.02 for 106 outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)