BACKGROUND: Many laparoscopic procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. We hypothesize laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure. METHODS: Seven institutions adopted a previously described outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy protocol for uncomplicated appendicitis. Patients were dismissed unless there was a clinical indication for admission. Patient demographics, success with outpatient management, time of dismissal, morbidity, and readmissions were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred six men and one hundred seventy women with a mean age of 35.4 years were included in the protocol. Seventy-eight patients (21%) had pre-existing comorbidities. 299 patients (80%) were managed as outpatients. There were no conversions to open appendectomy. Postoperative morbidity was 5%. The time of patient dismissals was evenly distributed throughout the day and night. Twelve patients (3%) required readmission. Outpatient follow-up occurred in 63% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: An outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy protocol was successfully applied at multiple institutions with low morbidity and low readmission rates. Application of this practice nationally could reduce length of stay and decrease overall health care costs for acute appendicitis.
BACKGROUND: Many laparoscopic procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. We hypothesize laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure. METHODS: Seven institutions adopted a previously described outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy protocol for uncomplicated appendicitis. Patients were dismissed unless there was a clinical indication for admission. Patient demographics, success with outpatient management, time of dismissal, morbidity, and readmissions were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred six men and one hundred seventy women with a mean age of 35.4 years were included in the protocol. Seventy-eight patients (21%) had pre-existing comorbidities. 299 patients (80%) were managed as outpatients. There were no conversions to open appendectomy. Postoperative morbidity was 5%. The time of patient dismissals was evenly distributed throughout the day and night. Twelve patients (3%) required readmission. Outpatient follow-up occurred in 63% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: An outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy protocol was successfully applied at multiple institutions with low morbidity and low readmission rates. Application of this practice nationally could reduce length of stay and decrease overall health care costs for acute appendicitis.
Authors: Elisabeth M L de Wijkerslooth; Jay M Bakas; Joost van Rosmalen; Anne Loes van den Boom; Bas P L Wijnhoven Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis Date: 2021-02-11 Impact factor: 2.571
Authors: Matthew Bradley; Angela Kindvall; Judy Logan; Jeffrey Bailey; Eric Elster; Carlos Rodriguez Journal: Trauma Surg Acute Care Open Date: 2019-06-17
Authors: Elise Taylor Bernard; Daniel L Davenport; Courtney M Collins; Bethany A Benton; Andrew C Bernard Journal: Trauma Surg Acute Care Open Date: 2018-12-30