Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to the United States in 1989, no clear consensus has developed as to whether this procedure should be performed in an ambulatory setting or should include mandatory overnight hospitalization. In order to approach this subject with greater objectivity, the author reviews the requirements for ambulatory surgery, then determines whether LC seems to fit those requirements. The drawbacks of ambulatory LC are discussed, and finally a system to allow ambulatory with the minimum of risk is suggested.