HPB P53 Readmission rate after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary HPB Unit

Abstract

Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy comprises a large portion of benign biliary surgery, and is increasingly performed safely as a daycase. The aim of our study was to determine the rate of unplanned readmission to hospital or unscheduled contact with medical services following discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, along with the reasons for seeking medical advice. Methods Patients were identified retrospectively from our HPB Unit's operative database. All patients were included (daycases and inpatients) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our unit in the calendar year 2019. Patients were excluded if they also had a CBD Exploration, or if their operation was converted to an open procedure. All patients' records were reviewed in detail on the Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record to capture readmissions, A&E attendances and contact with Out of Hours GP service within 30 days of discharge from hospital following operation. Results 273 patients were admitted for planned cholecystectomy under 7 Consultant Surgeons. 257 had their operation completed laparoscopically (5.86% conversion rate). The overall daycase rate was 66%. 39 patients (15%) sought unplanned medical advice within 30 days of discharge. 15 patients (5.8%) contacted Out of Hours. A further 9 patients (3.5%) went to A&E. Most of these had pain or wound problems. There were 15 (5.8%) readmissions to hospital: 3 within 48 hours; with abdominal wall haematoma, constipation and pneumonia. The remainder (day 4-29) had mostly pain, vomiting or umbilical wound infection. Median length of stay was 3 days. Conclusions Our early readmission rate was low and in line with local guidance of <10%. Most patients seeking unplanned advice had pain or wound problems. Further work looking at counselling patients regarding postoperative pain and wound care may reduce the total readmission rate and unscheduled contact after discharge. Readmission was not dependent on the age or size of the patient, or on whether the operation was carried out as a daycase or inpatient.