Randomized clinical trial of day-care versus overnight-stay laparoscopic cholecystectomy

From Home To Operation (FHTO)--a new surgical admission centre: does the comprehensive initialisation of a new process harm surgery outcome?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

FHTO - From Home To Operation is a same day admission -model developed at Finland Hyvinkää Hospital from as early as year 2000. In September 2006, a new FHTO centre was opened, through which surgical patients walk into the operation room. This article describes how an extensive FHTO process transition effects patients operation outcome.

METHODS

The data was collected of all elective surgical patients between March and May in 2006 and in 2007, six months before and after the new FHTO centre was opened. Patient demographics and surgery outcome measurements were reported and analysed between the two study periods. One month postoperative follow-up was recorded.

RESULTS

Overall 1206 patients were included, 592 in 2006 and 614 in 2007. Before the extensive process change in 2006 54% of patients were admitted through old limited FHTO unit, and 46% through surgical ward. Six months after FHTO centre opening in 2007 same figures were 90,5% and 9,5% respectively. The baseline statistics differed statistically in kidney failure, that increased in 2007. Two deaths were recorded during postoperative follow-up each year.

CONCLUSIONS

FHTO process transition included different surgical specialities and did not have negative impact on surgery outcome. Preoperative process should be debated thoroughly in every public hospital. The preoperative process transition from preoperative hospital stay to same day admission through new centre can be accomplished without harming surgery outcome.

Colecistectomia videolaparoscópica em 960 pacientes idosos

OBJETIVO: Analisar o tempo operatório, a permanência hospitalar, a taxa de conversão, a morbidade e a mortalidade de pacientes idosos submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica por doença da vesícula biliar. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, realizado no prontuário de 960 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 60 e 97 anos no período de janeiro de 1993 a agosto de 2009. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório variou de nove a 180 minutos. O tempo de internação variou de 24 a 120 horas. A conversão ocorreu em 28 pacientes (2,92%), dos quais 67,9% eram mulheres e 28,6% homens tendo sido em 11 casos (39,3%) realizada minilaparotomia e em 17 (60,7%) a via aberta convencional. As intercorrências no transoperatório foram duas rupturas da vesícula biliar, uma falha no pneumoperitônio e uma na clipagem do ducto cístico. No pós-operatório observaram-se cinco hérnias umbilicais incisionais. As complicações sistêmicas foram: nove arritmias cardíacas, uma icterícia pós-operatória, um infarto agudo do miocárdio e um infarto enteromesentérico. Mortalidade ocorreu em três pacientes (0,3%), um por infarto agudo do miocárdio no transoperatório, uma sepse e um infarto enteromesentérico. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes idosos submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica apresentaram baixo tempo de internação hospitalar e baixa morbimortalidade. O tempo operatório e o de internação hospitalar foram curtos, demonstrando que a colecistectomia videolaparoscópica é procedimento seguro e eficaz nos idosos.

An Effective Approach to Improving Day-Case Rates following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background. Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and cost-effective treatment for gallstones. In 2006, our institution recorded an 86% laparoscopic, 10% day-case, and 5% readmission rate. A gallbladder pathway was therefore introduced in 2007 with the aim of increasing daycase rates. Methods. Patients with symptomatic gallstones, proven on ultrasound, were referred to a specialist-led clinic. Those suitable for surgery were consented, preassessed, and provided with a choice of dates. All defaulted to day case unless deemed unsuitable due to comorbidity or social factors. Results. The number of cholecystectomies increased from 464 in 2006 to 578 in 2008. Day-case rates in 2006, 2007, 2008, and June 2009 were 10%, 20%, 30%, and 61%, respectively. Laparoscopic and readmission rates remained unchanged. Conversion rates for elective cholecystectomy fell from 6% in 2006 to 3% in 2009. Conclusions. Development of a gallbladder pathway increased day-case rates sixfold without an associated increase in conversion or readmission rates.

Cost-effective treatment of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and possible common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Clinicians must choose a treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis without knowing whether common bile duct (CBD) stones are present. The purpose of this study was to determine the most cost-effective treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis and possible CBD stones.

STUDY DESIGN

Our decision model included 5 treatment strategies: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) alone followed by expectant management; preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by LC; LC with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) ± common bile duct exploration (CBDE); LC followed by postoperative ERCP; and LC with IOC ± postoperative ERCP. The rates of successful completion of diagnostic testing and therapeutic intervention, test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity), morbidity, and mortality for all procedures are from current literature. Hospitalization costs and lengths of stay are from the 2006 National Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. The probability of CBD stones was varied from 0% to 100% and the most cost-effective strategy was determined at each probability.

RESULTS

Across the CBD stone probability range of 4% to 100%, LC with IOC ± ERCP was the most cost-effective. If the probability was 0%, LC alone was the most cost-effective. Our model was sensitive to 1 health input: specificity of IOC, and 3 costs: cost of hospitalization for LC with CBDE, cost of hospitalization for LC without CBDE, and cost of LC with IOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The most cost-effective treatment strategy for the majority of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis is LC with routine IOC. If stones are detected, CBDE should be forgone and the patient referred for ERCP.

Safety and effectiveness of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a teaching hospital: a prospective study of 110 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OLC) in a day surgery unit in a teaching hospital. OLC was offered to patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who met the following established inclusion criteria: ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) physical status classification class I and II; age: 18 - 70 years; body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2; patient acceptance and cooperation (informed consent); presence of a responsible adult to accompany the patient to his residency; patient residency in Athens. The primary study end-point was to evaluate success rates (patient discharge on the day of surgery), postoperative outcome (complications, re-admissions, morbidity and mortality) and patient satisfaction. A secondary endpoint was to evaluate its safe performance under appropriate supervision by higher surgical trainees (HSTs).

FINDINGS

110 consecutive patients, predominantly female (71%) and ASA I (89%) with a mean age 40.6 +/- 8.1 years underwent an OLC. Surgery was performed by a HST in 90 patients (81.8%). A mean postoperative pain score 3.3 (range 0-6) occurred in the majority of patients and no patient presented postoperative nausea or vomiting. Discharge on the day of surgery occurred in 95 cases (86%), while an overnight admission was required for 15 patients (14%). Re-admission following hospital discharge was necessary for 2 patients (1.8%) on day 2, due to persistent pain in the umbilical trocar site. The overall rate of major (trocar site bleeding) and minor morbidity was 15.5% (17 patients). At 1 week follow-up, 94 patients (85%) were satisfied with their experience undergoing OLC, with no difference between grades of operating surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that OLC is clinical effective and can be performed safely in a teaching hospital by supervised HSTs.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the obese: results with the traditional and fundus-first technique

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed in obese patients at our institution with the traditional technique and with the fundus-first (FF) technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 obese patients that underwent LC between 1994 and December 2007 at our institution. Surgical techniques were compared with respect to operative times, conversion to open cholecystectomy, postoperative complications, mortality, and length of postoperative stay.

RESULTS

In the reviewed period, LC was performed in 113 (58.2%) patients with obesity type I (OTI), 55 (28.3%) patients with obesity type II (OTII), and 26 (13.5%) patients with obesity type III (OTIII). None of the differences among obese groups treated with the two techniques were statistically significant, with the exception of the lower operative times in the OTIII patients treated with the FFLC. The median operating time in the OTIII group was, respectively, 90 minutes for traditional LC and 65 (range, 45-130) for FFLC (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study achieved to conclude that LC in the obese is a safe, feasible, and efficient operation, but remains a demanding procedure even in experienced hands. FFLC can support the traditional LC in the treatment of obese patients, yielding a complication rate comparable with the traditional technique. In our study, it significantly reduced the operative time in OTIII patients, simplifying all the intra-abdominal maneuvers and the gallbladder dissection.

General anaesthesia and day-case patient anxiety

AIM

This paper is a report of a study carried out to uncover the most anxiety-provoking aspects of general anaesthesia and determine what interventions may help to alleviate such anxiety.

BACKGROUND

General anaesthesia has proved to be highly anxiety-provoking. With the rise in elective day surgery, this aspect of patients' experience has become a prominent issue. Indeed, with brief hospital stays, limited contact with healthcare professionals, restricted formal anxiety management and the acute psychological impact of day surgery, such anxiety may be increasing.

METHOD

As part of a larger study, a questionnaire was given on the day of surgery to 1250 adult patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia over a two year period from 2005-2007. The issue examined was anxiety in relation to the environment, hospital personnel and general anaesthesia. Participants were requested to return the questionnaire by mail 24-48 hours following surgery, and 460 completed questionnaires were returned.

FINDINGS

A total of 85% of respondents experienced some anxiety on the day of surgery. Immediate preoperative experiences and concerns about unconsciousness were highly anxiety-provoking. Using factor analysis Preoperative Anaesthetic Information, Anaesthetic Catastrophising, Final Support, Personal Support, Imminence of Surgery, Possible Adverse Events and Final Preoperative Experiences were identified as central features. Multiple regression demonstrated Preoperative Anaesthetic Information, Anaesthetic Catastrophising and Imminence of Surgery were statistically significantly associated with an overall increased level of anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Focusing on the timely, formal delivery of information about anaesthesia management, emphasizing the notion of 'controlled unconsciousness' and dispelling misconceptions associated with general anaesthesia may help to limit patient anxiety.

Introduction of a day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy service in the UK: a critical analysis of factors influencing same-day discharge and contact with primary care providers

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the safety and acceptability of the implementation of a day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) service in a large UK teaching hospital, and analyse factors influencing contact with primary care providers. Wide-spread introduction of day-case LC in the UK is a major target of healthcare providers. However, few centres have reported their experience. In the US, out-patient surgery for LC has been reported, though many groups have utilised 24-h observation units to facilitate discharge. Concerns remain amongst surgeons regarding the feasibility and acceptability of the introduction of day-case LC in the UK.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Comprehensive care and operative data were prospectively collected on the first 106 consecutive day-case procedures in our hospital. Postoperative recovery was monitored by telephone questionnaire on days 2, 5 and 14, including complications, satisfaction and general practitioner consultation.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients were admitted for day-case LC, of whom 84% were discharged on the day of surgery. Patient satisfaction rate was 94% in both the successful day-case and the admitted patients. Mean operation time was 62 min, with an average total stay on the day-care unit of 426 min. Training-grade surgeons performed 31% of operations. Both the readmission rate after surgery and rate of conversion to open surgery were 2%. Advice from primary healthcare providers was sought by 33% of patients within the first 14 postoperative days.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of day-case LC in the UK is feasible and acceptable to patients. The potential burden to primary care providers needs further study.

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) for patients with severe cholecystitis.

METHODS

Between April 1992 and May 2008, 1226 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). From 2000 onward 60 patients with severe cholecystitis underwent LSC. The outcomes of LC were compared between patients who underwent the procedure between 1992 and 1999 (group A; n = 643) and those who underwent the procedure between 2000 and 2008 after the introduction of LSC (group B; n = 583), respectively. In Group B, operative outcomes were also compared between the LC and LSC groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of bile duct injury (1.6% vs 0.3%, P = 0.040) and conversion to open cholecystectomy (2.2% vs 0.3%, P = 0.046) was significantly lower in group B. The mean operative time was significantly longer (119.6 min vs 71.0 min., P < 0.001), and the mean blood loss was significantly higher (53.4 ml vs 12.9 ml, P < 0.001) in the LSC group. No significant differences were observed between LC and LSC in the incidence of postoperative morbidities or postoperative hospital stay. No patient had remnant gallstones or gallbladder cancers after a median follow-up of 42 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is safe and effective for preventing bile duct injuries and lowering the conversion rate in patients with technically difficult severe cholecystitis.

Current indications for laparoscopy in day-case surgery

Day-surgery setting allows to combine patients' satisfaction to cost-saving policies that seems to be more and more important for a modern hospital management. Minimally invasive surgery seems to be the ideal surgical approach for day-case procedures since, reducing trauma to a minimal level, allows patients to return quick to a normal life with minimal nursing assistance. Extensive review of the most recent article has been performed in this article in order to define the current evidences that support the use of laparoscopic surgery in a day-case setting. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, anti-reflux procedure and hernia repair seems to be justified according to the results of the published data. Patients' selection and hospital organization seem to be mandatory in order to obtain successful results.

An audit of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a Singapore institution: are we ready for day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Day-Case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is practiced in many countries. However, this has yet to be widely accepted in Singapore. This study aims to determine the potential success rate of day-case LC in our institution.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the proportion of our Ambulatory Surgery 23 hour (AS23) LC patients that met discharge criteria. Our proposed same-day discharge criteria include minimal pain, ability to tolerate feeds, ambulate independently and void spontaneously after 6-8 hours of monitoring.

RESULTS

From January 2005 to December 2006, of 405 patients listed for elective LC, 84% of patients were admitted to our AS23 ward. Patients with previous biliary sepsis or pancreatitis or who need laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) were included. The other 66 were admitted as inpatient. Forty-one of them were admitted due to conversion. A history of cholecystitis or cholangitis was a significant predictor of conversion to open surgery (OR=5.73 and 5.74 respectively, p<0.001). Of the 339 patients, 66% of them fulfilled all four criteria within eight hours of monitoring. Therefore, based on an intention-to-treat analysis, 51.2% fulfilled all four criteria and could potentially be discharged the same day. No predictor for failure was identified, including presence of co-morbidities, duration of operation, surgeon's grade and additional procedures like LCBDE.

CONCLUSION

Using our current inclusion criteria, we projected a success rate of at least 50% with the implementation of day-case LC. With the attendant advantages of cost savings and reduced resource utilization, it is therefore worthwhile to start it in Singapore.

Evidence-based surgical care and the evolution of fast-track surgery

BACKGROUND

Optimization of postoperative outcome requires the application of evidence-based principles of care carefully integrated into a multimodal rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE

To assess, synthesize, and discuss implementation of "fast-track" recovery programs.

DATA SOURCES

Medline MBASE (January 1966-May 2007) and the Cochrane library (January 1966-May 2007) were searched using the following keywords: fast-track, enhanced recovery, accelerated rehabilitation, and multimodal and perioperative care. In addition, the synthesis on the many specific interventions and organizational and implementation issues were based on data published within the past 5 years from major anesthesiological and surgical journals, using systematic reviews where appropriate instead of multiple references of original work.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Based on an increasing amount of multinational, multicenter cohort studies, randomized studies, and meta-analyses, the concept of the "fast-track methodology" has uniformly provided a major enhancement in recovery leading to decreased hospital stay and with an apparent reduction in medical morbidity but unaltered "surgery-specific" morbidity in a variety of procedures. However, despite being based on a combination of evidence-based unimodal principles of care, recent surveys have demonstrated slow adaptation and implementation of the fast-track methodology.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal evidence-based care within the fast-track methodology significantly enhances postoperative recovery and reduces morbidity, and should therefore be more widely adopted. Further improvement is expected by future integration of minimal invasive surgery, pharmacological stress-reduction, and effective multimodal, nonopioid analgesia.

Outpatient versus inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study of symptom occurrence, symptom distress and general state of health during the first post-operative week

BACKGROUND

Few randomized clinical trials focus on patients' symptoms of the first post-operative week following outpatient (OPS) versus inpatient (IPS) laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The objective was to compare these treatment modalities with regard to patients' perceptions of pain and other post-operative symptoms, amount of distress, level of anxiety and general state of health during the first post-operative week.

METHODS

One hundred patients were randomized. Seventy-three LC patients were valid for efficacy (OPS n=34, IPS n=39). Data were collected by means of questionnaires.

RESULTS

The main result was that only minor [corrected] differences were seen between the groups regarding the occurrence of post-operative symptoms or symptom distress. Approximately 90% of the patients in both groups perceived pain, reduced mobility and tiredness on day 1. Nausea and loss of appetite were reported by half of the patients. Post-operative day 1, both groups reported much or very much distress related to pain and reduced mobility (approximately 40%) and nausea (approximately 20%). Although both groups reported less symptoms on day 7, one-third still experienced pain, but only one patient reported this to be distressing.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients in both groups recover equally well, indicating that a greater proportion of LC patients should be offered the outpatient modality.

Resumption of daily physical activity after day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been proven to be safe and feasible as a day-case procedure. Few studies investigated postoperative activity resumption. The goal of this study was to objectively assess daily physical activity after day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy and evaluate the effect of encouragement of patients.

METHODS

This prospective controlled study measured daily physical activity in an unselected patient population undergoing day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using an accelerometer for 1 week before surgery to 1 week after. First, a control group received standard care. Subsequently, an intervention group was encouraged to swift resumption of daily physical activity by means of standardized advice combined with individualized activity goals. Outcome measures were activity scores, visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain and nausea and subjective factors limiting activity.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients completed the study (n = 28 in the control group, n = 36 in the intervention group). In the control group, 36% of the patients reached their preoperative activity level after 1 week, as compared to 50% in the intervention group (p = 0.19). Resumption of daily physical activity during the first postoperative week in the intervention group was not significantly different from the control group [repeated measures analysis of variance (MANOVA), p = 0.05]. However, in contrast with men, women in the intervention group did show a faster recovery of daily physical activity as compared to the control group (MANOVA, p = 0.02). Although there was no significant difference in postoperative VAS scores for pain and nausea between both groups, patients in the intervention group experienced pain less often as a limiting factor (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Recovery of daily physical activity exceeded 1 week in most patients undergoing day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of an accelerometer and standardized encouragement accelerated recovery in women.

Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 250 patients

BACKGROUND

Patient selection, postoperative monitoring and discharge criteria after outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are not clearly defined.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for elective LC who fulfilled socioeconomic requirements for ambulatory surgery were enrolled in an open prospective study. Choledocholithiasis, ASA IV and unstable ASA III patients were excluded. Discharge was allowed after at least 6 hours if patients were conscious, asymptomatic, ambulant, with normal vital signs, no evidence of bleeding, spontaneous micturition and tolerating soft diet.

RESULTS

Of the 250 patients included, 10.4% were admitted due to intraoperative causes. Of the remaining, 92% were discharged on the same day and 8.0% were admitted for pain control or postoperative anxiety/discomfort. Neither mortality or major complications were observed. Ninety-five percent of patients declared themselves satisfied. History of jaundice, common bile duct dilation on ultrasound, microlithiasis, abnormal preoperative alkaline phosphatase levels and surgeon's experience were independent predictors of admission due to intraoperative causes. No predictor of postoperative admission was identified. Cost analysis showed a benefit for ambulatory LC compared to overnight stay.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient LC is feasible and safe with high patient satisfaction even with broad selection criteria. Improvements may be achieved in postoperative pain management.

Male gender is not a risk factor for the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single surgeon experience

BACKGROUND/AIM

Previous studies regarding the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in men have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted this prospective study to test the hypothesis that the outcome of LC is worse in men than women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2002, a total of 391 consecutive LCs were performed by a single surgeon at King Fahd Hospital of the University. We collected and analyzed data including age, gender, body mass index (kg/m(2)), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, mode of admission (elective or emergency), indication for LC (chronic or acute cholecystitis [AC]), comorbid disease, previous abdominal surgery, conversion to open cholecystectomy, complications, operation time, and length of postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

Bivariate analysis showed that both genders were matched for age, ASA class and mode of admission. The incidences of AC (P = 0.003) and comorbid disease (P = 0.031) were significantly higher in men. Women were significantly more obese than men (P < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of previous abdominal surgery (P = 0.017). There were no statistical differences between genders with regard to rates of conversion (P = 0.372) and complications (P = 0.647) and operation time (P = 0.063). The postoperative stay was significantly longer in men than women (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender was not an independent predictor of conversion (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.37 and P = 0.43) or complications (OR = 0.42, P = 0.42). Linear regression analysis showed that male gender was not an independent predictor of the operation time, but was associated with a longer postoperative stay (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Male gender is not an independent risk factor for satisfactory outcome of LC in the experience of a single surgeon.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the safety and effectiveness of day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Although day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy can save bed costs, its safety has to be established. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of day-case surgery compared with overnight stay in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials addressing the above issue were identified from The Cochrane Library trials register, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and reference lists. Data were extracted from these trials by two independent reviewers. For each outcome the relative risk, weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference was calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals based on available case analysis.

RESULTS

Five trials with 215 patients randomized to the day-case group and 214 to the overnight-stay group were included in the review. Four of the five trials were of low risk of bias. The trials recruited 49.1 per cent of patients presenting for cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference between day case and overnight stay with respect to morbidity, prolongation of hospital stay, readmission rates, pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and return to normal activity and work. In the day-case group 80.5 per cent of patients were discharged on the day of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones.

The use of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for complicated cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND

The risk of damage to the bile duct and structures in the hilum of the liver is significant when Calot's triangle cannot be safely dissected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and conversion to an open procedure often is performed. This is more common during emergency surgery, but may not render the procedure any easier. Traditionally, open subtotal cholecystectomy was performed, but with the advent of laparoscopic surgery, this has fallen from favor. The authors report their experience using laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy to avoid bile duct injury and conversion in difficult cases.

METHODS

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, performed when the cystic duct cannot be identified safely, consists of resecting the anterior wall of the gallbladder, removing all stones, and placing a large drain into Hartmann's pouch. The notes for all patients who underwent a laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy between 1 September 2001 and 31 December 2004 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Subtotal cholecystectomy was performed in 26 cases including 13 emergency and 13 elective procedures. The median age of the patients (15 women and 11 men) was 68 years (range, 36-86 years). The indications were severe fibrosis in 16 cases, inflammatory mass or empyema in 8 cases, and gangrenous gallbladder or perforation in 2 cases. The median postoperative inpatient stay was 5 days (range, 2-26 days). Five patients underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: four for persistent biliary leak and one for a retained common bile duct stone. One patient required laparotomy for subphrenic abscess, and one patient (American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA] grade 4, presenting with biliary peritonitis) died 2 days postoperatively. One patient required a subsequent completion laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a retained gallstone. One patient had a chest infection, and two patients experienced port-site hernias.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a viable procedure during cholecystectomy in which Calot's triangle cannot be dissected. It averts the need for a laparotomy.

Economic evaluation comparing From Home To Operation same day admission and preoperative admission one day prior to the surgery process: a randomized, controlled trial of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

A novel preoperative procedure From Home To Operation (FHTO) seeks to combat increasing operation and infection rates. This is the first prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of FHTO and conventional ward procedures for standardized Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

During 12/2004-7/2005, 47 patients with symptomatic gallstones were randomized to receive LC in the FHTO (28 patients) or in a conventional manner (19 patients) in a Finnish hospital setting. The 15D quality of life tool was administered at the baseline and 1 month after.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A stochastic approach over a month interval for hospital costs, length of postoperative stay, infection rate and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) was employed.

RESULTS

Baseline group characteristics were similar. The mean health care costs with FHTO (1695 EUR) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the conventional arm (2234 EUR). The number of patients discharged on the first postoperative day was 27 (96.4%) and 15 (78.9%) with two (7.1%) infections in the FHTO and four (21.1%) in the conventional arm. A difference in QALYs gained (0.0174; p = 0.030) favouring FHTO was observed. According to a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve, the probability of FHTO being cost-effective was 99%. The results were robust to probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

FHTO can introduce substantial cost savings and have a positive impact on both clinical measures and quality of life. Studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to assess whether conventional ward procedure can be a source of infections, which can be avoided with FHTO.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ICJME-qualified registry of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (number 217849).

Routine abdominal drainage for uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the main method of treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Drains are used after laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent abdominal collections. However, drain use may increase infective complications and delay discharge.

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to assess the benefits and harms of routine abdominal drainage in uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until March 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised clinical trials comparing drainage with no drainage after uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Randomised clinical trials comparing one type of drain with another were also reviewed.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We collected the data on the characteristics, methodological quality, mortality, abdominal collections, pain, nausea, vomiting, and hospital stay from each trial. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We analysed six trials involving 741 patients randomised to drain (361) versus no drain (380). The only patient with abdominal collections requiring intervention belonged to the drain group. Wound infection was significantly higher in those with a drain (OR 5.86, 95% CI 1.05 to 32.70). Drainage was associated with nausea, but this was not statistically significant. Hospital stay was longer in the drain group and the number of patients discharged at the day of operation was significantly reduced in the no drain group (OR 2.45, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.57, 1 trial). We also reviewed one trial with 41 patients randomised to suction drain (22) versus closed passive drain (19). This trial suggests that suction drains carried less pain than passive drains.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Drain use after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy increases wound infection rates and delays hospital discharge. We could not find evidence to support the use of drain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Routine abdominal drainage for uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the main method of treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Drains are used after laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent abdominal collections. However, drain use may increase infective complications and delay discharge.

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to assess the benefits and harms of routine abdominal drainage in uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until March 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised clinical trials comparing drainage with no drainage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Randomised clinical trials comparing one type of drain with another were also reviewed.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We collected the data on the characteristics, methodological quality, mortality, abdominal collections, pain, nausea, vomiting, and hospital stay from each trial. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We analysed five trials involving 591 patients randomised to drain (281) versus no drain (310). We also reviewed one trial with 41 patients randomised to suction drain (22) versus closed passive drain (19). The only trial that reported on abdominal collections requiring intervention reported no abdominal collections requiring intervention in either group. Wound infection tended to be higher in those with a drain (OR 15.38, 95% CI 0.86 to 275.74). Drainage was associated with lower shoulder, abdominal pain, and nausea, but this was not statistically significant. Hospital stay was longer in the drain group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Drain use after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduces early post-operative pain, but increases wound infection rates and delays hospital discharge. We could not find evidence to support the use of drain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of 211 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day-case procedure in a French university hospital.

METHODS

Since the creation of a surgical day-care centre in 1999, patients without severe chronic disease and anticoagulant therapy were selected for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were admitted and operated on in the morning hours and discharged after a double check by the surgeon and an anaesthetist 4 to 6 hours later. They were contacted by telephone the day subsequent to surgery and were seen in the outpatient unit 8 to 10 days after.

RESULTS

Two hundred eleven laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed in day-care surgery from January 1999 to December 2005. The proportion of day-case management increased during the six-year period from 32% to 53%. Eighteen percent of patients had an overnight admission. The overall complication rate was 1.8%. None of the patients had an emergency readmission. Incapacity duration went from 1 to 15 days.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be routinely performed as a day-case procedure.

Day-case surgery patients' health-related quality of life

This study describes the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of day-surgery patients and aims to identify factors associated with HRQoL. The cross-sectional questionnaire survey data were collected from day-surgery patients being discharged from hospitals in one Finnish hospital district in 2001 using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The analysis was based on statistical methods. Day-case surgical patients had the best HRQoL in the social dimension and mobility. The NHP scores showed moderate distress in sleep and energy, and demonstrated pain. Older age and vocational education were associated with higher scores as measured with the NHP, indicating more problems in the measured variables. The patients who have been operated as day cases recovered satisfactorily and the operation did not weaken their perceived HRQoL. More emphasis should be put on evaluating day-case surgery patients' pain. Patient's age should be taken into account in planning type of surgery. The NHP is also a useful tool for the purposes of studying the HRQoL of day-case surgery patients.