160 The Patient Experience of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as a Day Case at a National Referral Centre; a 7 Month Evaluation of Outcomes

Abstract Aim With waiting times for surgery in Scotland increasing year on year, all trusts across the country can now refer patients to have laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed sooner at a national referral centre. Our aim was to evaluate the overall patient experience from decision for surgery to 30 days post-operatively. Method Retrospective analysis was performed of 191 patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomies over a 7-month period. Their notes were examined for original referral dates and operation notes, biliary related admissions while awaiting surgery and post-operative complications within 30 days. Results Of the 191 patients, 5 (3%) had missing operation notes, 2 (1%) were abandoned, 1 (0.5%) was cancelled on the day, and 8 (4%) declined on the day. The average age of the patients was 51 (range 20-81), 81% of patients were female. The median number of days spent on the waiting list was 301 days (range 35 – 1961). Once referred to our centre, patients waited a median of 91 days. 5.2% (10 patients) had biliary related admission while awaiting their surgery. Examination of operative notes provided variable information, with 11% mentioning duodenal adhesions and two were entirely abandoned due to complexity. 2 post-operative complications were identified. These were graded at I and II on the clavien-dindo scale respectively. Conclusions Patients overall waiting time does not reach guideline targets. Patients waiting a long time increases cost on the NHS by increasing unnecessary pre-operative hospital admissions. Our data demonstrates an excellent safety profile of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy out-with their original healthboard.