Advanced laparoscopic surgery in a free-standing ambulatory setting: lessons from the first 50 cases

Surg Innov. 2007 Mar;14(1):12-7. doi: 10.1177/1553350606298718.

Abstract

To decrease the impact and cost of surgery, there is a trend toward developing treatment models for complex conditions on a fully outpatient basis. This is a retrospective study of the initial experience of advanced laparoscopic procedures performed on a same-day outpatient basis in the ambulatory campus of a university hospital. Over 3 years, 55 patients underwent 50 Nissen fundoplications and 5 adrenalectomies. There were 2 intraoperative complications, with no mortality and no conversion. The median postoperative stay was 4.5 hours. Readmission at 1 month was 11%. Data on the nursing postoperative telephone follow-up were available for 50 patients; 34 (62%) were successfully contacted. Twenty four (70%) had no complaint. Preliminary high-level cost data indicate a cost advantage. Advanced laparoscopic procedures can be done safely in a pure ambulatory setting; the current readmission rate can be reduced with improved pain management and better telephone follow-up strategies. Cost savings are likely.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Fundoplication* / methods
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome