Convalescence in the first week after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results from a detailed questionnaire on morbidity and recovery of daily activities.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and return to daily activities after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients were asked to keep daily detailed structured diaries for 1 week.

RESULTS

Half of the patients were discharged from hospital on the 1st postoperative day (POD1); another third were released on POD2. Distressing pain subsided on POD2, but disturbing pain occurred in 10% of the patients on POD5-7. On POD7, mild pain at rest appeared in 30% of the patients and when moving in 60% of them. Although pain was the most common complaint, the mean consumption of analgesics was low. Even though one-fifth of the patients felt nauseated on POD2-3, and one-seventh again as late as POD7, drinking and eating did not pose problems. At the end of the week, one-third of the subjects experienced slight disorders in night rest and vigilance. Moving and walking were disturbed in one-third of the patients, and bending over and lifting objects were relatively difficult for 60% of the patients on POD7. Thirty percent of the 21 patients who were employed reported that they were capable of returning to work on POD7.

CONCLUSION

To account for the variability in the rate of convalescence, the length of sick leave after laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be individualized.