WP8.9 - Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed by a Surgical Care Practitioner: Review of Outcomes

Abstract Introduction Surgical Care Practitioners (SCPs) are non-medical workers involved in various aspects of management of surgical patients. The role includes assisting and performing surgical procedures. Over 60,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) are performed annually in the UK. With ever increasing pressure on waiting lists, it is important to look at fully utilising the skills of our entire workforce. We report what we believe is the first published series of LC performed by an SCP. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Primary outcome was any complication requiring intervention. Secondary outcomes were minor complications, operative time, length of stay, conversion and readmission. Results 170 patients were operated on. Indications were biliary colic in 127 (74.7%), cholecystitis 30 (17.6%) and pancreatitis in 13(7.6%). Mean operating time was 65 minutes (Range 35-152). 53 operations were assisted by a consultant, 110 by a senior SAS grade and 7 by a CT2. 139 (81.7%) patients were discharged on the day of surgery. 24 (14.1%) stayed one night in hospital. There were no major complications. Four patients required readmission. Two with pain and 2 with port site infections. There were no conversions or transfusions required. Conclusion There is a paucity of published data on surgical outcomes of procedures performed by SCPs. With a structured, supervised approach SCPs could be trained to take on more complex procedures and further strengthen the surgical workforce. This study demonstrates that elective LC can be safely performed by an appropriately trained and supervised SCP.