Background: This study examines the efficacy and safety of immediate discharge from the postanesthesia care unit after laparoscopic appendectomy for patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis.
Methods: A retrospective study of 114 laparoscopic appendectomy cases was performed. Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria of having uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Patient demographics, operative times, length of postoperative stay, and complication rates were analyzed.
Results: Only 3 of the 74 patients failed to be discharged immediately. Mean postoperative discharge time was 130.5 minutes with 86% of patients leaving within 3 hours. Delay in voiding was the most common cause of stays longer than 4 hours. Six of the 74 patients (8%) returned to the emergency room without need for readmission. There were no complications associated with the early discharge.
Conclusions: Immediate discharge from the postanesthesia care unit for patients with acute nonperforated appendicitis appears safe and effective in the community hospital setting.