Impact of a Surgical Technique Allowing Early Discharge of Cholecystectomy Patients

摘要

With about 442,000 cholecystectomies (gall bladder removals) performed annually in the United States, and an average LOS of 11.0 days, a surgical technique that reduces patient discomfort and disability while reducing LOS to 2-4 days is very attractive to patients, physicians, hospitals, and payers. The technique involves efficient post operative esophagogastric aspiration and immediate full enteral feeding through use of a specially designed nasogastric tube. The purpose of the study was to assess patients undergoing this surgical technique in terms of their general health, levels of discomfort, complications, fears of early discharge, and return to normal diet and activity.