Comparative analysis of day-surgery versus conventional overnight stay surgery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Sameeah Hanif

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20261563

Authors

Sameeah Hanif Department of Surgery, BBST Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20261563

Keywords:

Cholelithiasis, Conventional, Day case surgery, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: There is growing momentum toward performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day-case procedure for suitable patients. Nonetheless, surgeons still report barriers to same-day discharge. The purpose of this study was to compare day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy with conventional overnight-stay laparoscopic cholecystectomy in selected patients with gallbladder stones.

Methods: A prospective comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, DHQ Abbottabad, from June 2024 to July 2025. Seventy ASA I patients aged 20–50 years with uncomplicated gallstone disease were allocated to day-case discharge within 12 hours (Group 1, n=35) or discharge after 24 hours (Group 2, n=35). Outcomes included operating time, VAS pain at 6 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting, complications, readmission, time to return to normal home activities and satisfaction.

Results: Baseline age and BMI were comparable between groups. Mean operating time was 40.43±4.42 minutes in Group 1 versus 40.57±4.05 minutes in Group 2 (p=0.888). VAS pain at 6 hours was 3.23±0.84 versus 3.14±0.91 (p=0.684). Return to normal activities was 4.94±1.76 days versus 4.49±1.80 days (p=0.288). Nausea and vomiting occurred in 8.57% versus 5.71%, readmission in 5.71% versus 2.86% and satisfaction in 97.14% versus 100%.

Conclusions: Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed comparable short-term outcomes to overnight stay in this setting, with high satisfaction and low event rates under strict selection and discharge criteria.

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