Use of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the success rate of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort of patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis underwent elective surgery at the General and Endoscopic Surgery Division of the General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González” from July 2015 to September 2017. Results: 160 patients were included, the mean age was 36.8 years (15-73 years), and 83.7% were women. We obtained a success rate of 95.6% with this protocol. Two patients required postoperative unplanned hospitalization (1.2%), one of them had surgical treatment (0.6%). Five patients presented post-operative complications (3.1%): one with acute pancreatitis (0.6%) and four (2.5%) were diagnosed with surgical site infection. Overall satisfaction with procedure was close to 99%. Conclusion: The performance of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an ERAS protocol in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis has an adequate success rate, as well as postoperative evolution. Our study shows its safety, reliability, and possibility for routinely implementation without presenting a significant number of complications.

Keywords

• Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Enhanced recovery after surgery. Accelerated postoperative recovery protocol. Symptomatic cholelithiasis.