1304 Feasibility of Day-Case Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Paediatric Patients

Abstract

Abstract Aim Standard approach for treatment of cholecystolithiasis is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), however day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) has not been established as standard procedure in paediatric population. This is to assess the feasibility and safety of DCLC in paediatric population focusing on post-operative outcomes as a measure of success and using a protocolised post-operative pain management approach. Method Data, which include demographics, surgeon (trainee/consultant), admission mode, length of stay, complications, and post-operative pain management as per hospital protocol were collected from the hospital database from 2016 to 2022. Patients who underwent DCLS were discharged within 23 hours. Telephone survey was conducted to investigate type and length of analgesia administered at home. Results 31 patients underwent LC with a day-case rate of 77%. 63% were female. Mean age was 11 years (3 - 16). Obesity and haemolytic disorders were present in 29% and 8%, respectively. 96% were elective admissions. 20% had ASA I, 48% ASA II and 32% ASA III. Post-operatively, opioids with paracetamol/ibuprofen were administered in 96%, and in 80% as post-discharge analgesia. Post-discharge analgesia was administered 1 - 7 days, and 28% used oral opioid analgesia at home up to 3 days. Post-operative complications were present in 2 patients - 1 infected umbilical wound and 1 persistent dyspepsia. Six months readmission rate was 8% due to hypogastric pain treated conservatively. After a 3-month follow-up, all the patients were discharged. Conclusions LC can be performed safely as a day case procedure with excellent outcomes using a standardised post-operative and post-discharge pain management protocol.