Is routine ultrasound abdomen necessary prior to discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the value of routine ultrasound abdomen prior to discharge in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Routine ultrasound is performed as per health insurance protocol prior to discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent routine ultrasound abdomen prior to discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2014 at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical sciences, Tirupati, India. The data was analysed retrospectively from a prospectively maintained database. Results: 230 Patients underwent ultrasound abdomen after laparoscopic cholecystectomy prior to discharge. One patient had seroma at the umbilical port. One patient presented with liver abscess 10 days after discharge. The remaining patients had minimal or no collection in the gall bladder fossa with post cholecystectomy status. There were no additional findings compared to pre-operative ultrasound findings. Conclusion: We conclude that ultrasound abdomen as a routine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy prior to discharge is of no added benefit. It does not alter the clinical management or outcome. It is not cost- effective and increases the workload on radiologists.