Increasing success in outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy by an optimal clinical pathway.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of more convincing and reassuring remarks from the surgeon in the preoperative consult associated with a dedicated outpatient facility to increase our rate of success in outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A one-centre prospective clinical study was conducted between February 2013 and May 2015. During the first time period (February 2013-March 2014), patients were hospitalized in conventional care unit and given the possibility to choose an outpatient procedure. In the second phase (April 2014-May 2015), the patients were held in a dedicated outpatient facility. Outpatient success rate was evaluated using Chung's discharge score 6 h after surgery. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included (30 in a traditional setting, 50 in an optimal clinical pathway). Both groups were comparable for mean age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and mean operative time (P = 0.36, P = 1 and P = 0.09, respectively). Success in outpatient surgery was significantly higher in the optimal clinical pathway group (73.3% versus 96%, P = 0.005). The only criteria which was significantly improved in Chung score was perambulation (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups for post-operative complications (P = 0.28) or readmission (P = 1). CONCLUSION: Optimal clinical pathway (more convincing and reassuring remarks in the preoperative consult and a dedicated outpatient facility) is the key to increase success in outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Is the Failure of Laparoscopic Peritoneal Lavage Predictable in Hinchey III Diverticulitis Management?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage is an alternative to sigmoid resection in Hinchey III diverticulitis (generalized purulent peritonitis). The main limitation of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage is the higher rate of reoperation for persistent sepsis in comparison with sigmoid resection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to identify risk factors for laparoscopic peritoneal lavage failure in patients who have Hinchey III diverticulitis. DESIGN: This was a retrospective multicenter study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in 3 clinical sites in France. PATIENTS: From 2006 to 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing emergent surgery for diverticulitis were reviewed. All patients operated on with laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for laparoscopically confirmed Hinchey III diverticulitis were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was laparoscopic peritoneal lavage failure, defined as reoperation or death at 30 postoperative days. RESULTS: A series of 71 patients (43 men, mean age 58 ± 15 years) were operated on with laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for Hinchey III diverticulitis. Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage failed in 14 (20%) of them: 1 died and 13 underwent reoperations. No major complication (Dindo-Clavien score ≥3) occurred after reoperation. Immunosuppressive drugs (p = 0.01) and ASA grade ≥3 (p = 0.02) were associated with laparoscopic peritoneal lavage failure after univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified only immunosuppressive drug intake (steroids or chemotherapy for cancer) as an independent predictive factor. Mean length of stay was 14.9 days (5-67). At the end of the 30 first postoperative days, 12 (17%) patients had a stoma. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective nature and the small size of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight immunosuppressive drug intake as a major risk factor for laparoscopic peritoneal lavage failure in patients who have Hinchey III diverticulitis. Immunosuppression and severe comorbidities (ASA ≥3) should be considered when selecting a surgical option in patients with Hinchey III diverticulitis. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A423.

Interest of Using Ropivacaine for Outpatient Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the interest of using ropivacaine for outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of local anesthesia by instillation and infiltration could reduce pain and increase the number of outpatient cholecystectomies. METHODS: A one-center randomized prospective clinical trial compared the use of ropivacaine during outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy to the control group of outpatients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy between April 2014 and May 2015. One hundred twenty-four were eligible, and 100 patients were randomized. Patients with outpatient cholecystectomy were randomized into 2 groups: ropivacaine group (Rop group) and control group (control group). We performed a ropivacaine intraperitoneal instillation and wound infiltration for the ropivacaine group at the end of the procedure. The primary observation was authorization for home discharge. The patient was evaluated by the surgeon using the Chung score. Secondary observations included postoperative pain at 2 h post-surgery, at 6 h post-surgery and the day following surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-eight were able to leave on the evening of surgery. At 6 h post-surgery, the Chung score was identical for both groups (p = 0.73). At 2 and 6 h post-surgery and the day following surgery, there was no significant difference in pain levels (p = 0.63; p = 0.61; p = 0.98). Analgesic consumption was no significant difference in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ropivacaine does not increase the rate of home discharge and does not change the postoperative pain of outpatient cholecystectomy.