Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: A review of 11 cases

AIM: The aim of this paper is to study the outcome of day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical pathway for day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy was followed with emphasis on the analgesia, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), feeding, mobilization, pain scoring and patient satisfaction. Demographic and clinical data were recorded prospectively from March 2013 to November 2013. The setup allowed easy access to an overnight stay if needed. Hospital stay, complications, the need for medical advice after discharge, convalescence and patients satisfaction were analyzed. RESULTS: We admitted 11 children with symptomatic cholelithiasis for day case laparoscopic surgery. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. The incidence of PONV was 0/11. There was no readmission. 4/11 patients complained of shoulder tip pain on follow-up next day. There was no overnight stay. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a DCLC pathway is feasible and safe for children. Emphasis on adequate pain management and avoidance of PONV results in a high rate of day case surgery equivalent to that achieved in adult practice.