Abstract
Background
Many laparoscopic procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. We hypothesize
laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure.
Methods
Seven institutions adopted a previously described outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy
protocol for uncomplicated appendicitis. Patients were dismissed unless there was
a clinical indication for admission. Patient demographics, success with outpatient
management, time of dismissal, morbidity, and readmissions were analyzed.
Results
Two hundred six men and one hundred seventy women with a mean age of 35.4 years were
included in the protocol. Seventy-eight patients (21%) had pre-existing comorbidities.
299 patients (80%) were managed as outpatients. There were no conversions to open
appendectomy. Postoperative morbidity was 5%. The time of patient dismissals was evenly
distributed throughout the day and night. Twelve patients (3%) required readmission.
Outpatient follow-up occurred in 63% of patients.
Conclusions
An outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy protocol was successfully applied at multiple
institutions with low morbidity and low readmission rates. Application of this practice
nationally could reduce length of stay and decrease overall health care costs for
acute appendicitis.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 18, 2017
Accepted:
August 10,
2017
Received in revised form:
July 30,
2017
Received:
March 3,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- Discussion of: “Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy can be successfully performed for uncomplicated appendicitis: A Southwestern Surgical Congress multicenter trial”The American Journal of SurgeryVol. 214Issue 6
