Day surgery versus overnight stay laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are being increasingly performed as a day surgery procedure.

AIM

To systematically assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day surgery procedure compared to overnight stay.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials involving day surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in a systematic literature search. Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion and extracted the data. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the safety and feasibility of day surgery compared to overnight stay laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were selected for our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups on morbidity (P=0.65). The mean in-hospital admission and readmission rates were 13.1% and 2.4% in the day surgery group, respectively. The two groups had similar prolonged hospitalization (P=0.27), readmission rate (P=0.58) and consultation rate (P=0.73). In addition, there was no significant difference in the visual analogue scale score, postoperative nausea and vomiting scale, time to return to activity and work between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Currently available evidence demonstrates that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in selected patients as a day surgery procedure, though further studies are needed.