Feasibility of same day discharge after mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy -- a simulation study in a rural teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE Open cholecystectomy is still widely practised, more so in the developing countries, due to the high cost of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the long traditional postoperative stay (7-8 days) prevents rapid turnover and adds to the waiting list. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy (MLC) can be done as a day surgery or extended day surgery in a rural setting. METHODS A nonrandomized, uncontrolled study was done prospectively at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. The subjects underwent mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy under general or epidural anesthesia. Postoperatively they were encouraged to be ambulant early and to accept oral fluids. In the evening they were assessed, by preset criteria, for fitness for discharge. None were actually discharged but were observed overnight and reassessed the next morning, by the same criteria, for any adverse effects that could have occurred had they actually been discharged on the same day. They were discharged after removal of stitches. Any complications of the surgery were also noted. RESULTS Thirty-two patients (26 females, 6 males) formed the study group. General anesthesia was given in 19 cases and epidural in 13. Using the scoring system, 25 (78.1%) patients were considered fit for discharge on the evening of surgery. The most prominent reasons for non discharge were vomiting and pain. Re-evaluation on the following morning showed that 30 (93.75%) patients were in a position to be discharged. None showed any complication that would have required readmission. There were no significant complications pertaining to the procedure itself. CONCLUSION Mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy as day surgery or extended day surgery is feasible and a safe, well tolerated procedure in a wide range of age groups. It may be a good alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in developing countries, where resources are limited and waiting lists are long.