INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to determine the efficiency and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy carried out using the harmonic scalpel as a day case procedure. METHODS: A prospective study was done on patients presenting for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The harmonic scalpel was used with retrograde dissection. All patients were considered for discharge the same day unless considered medically unfit. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the harmonic scalpel was carried out on 100 patients. Major complications were as follows: conversion to open procedure -1%, common bile duct injury -1%, and bile leak from the cystic duct stump -1%. Our same day discharge rate was 65%, and age more than 65 was the only independent predictor of overnight admission (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the harmonic scalpel is associated with a low complication rate and a high-same-day discharge rate when carried out as a day case procedure.
INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to determine the efficiency and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy carried out using the harmonic scalpel as a day case procedure. METHODS: A prospective study was done on patients presenting for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The harmonic scalpel was used with retrograde dissection. All patients were considered for discharge the same day unless considered medically unfit. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the harmonic scalpel was carried out on 100 patients. Major complications were as follows: conversion to open procedure -1%, common bile duct injury -1%, and bile leak from the cystic duct stump -1%. Our same day discharge rate was 65%, and age more than 65 was the only independent predictor of overnight admission (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the harmonic scalpel is associated with a low complication rate and a high-same-day discharge rate when carried out as a day case procedure.
Authors: Aafke H van Dijk; Stijn van Roessel; Philip R de Reuver; Djamila Boerma; Marja A Boermeester; Sandra C Donkervoort Journal: World J Gastrointest Surg Date: 2018-09-27