Abstract Aims This audit aimed to assess the proportion of day-case surgeries versus inpatient admissions following elective procedures, evaluating compliance with GIRFT guidelines, which recommend day-case surgery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernia repairs unless complications arise. Methods Data were collected retrospectively on 55 patients booked for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic/open inguinal hernia repair, or paraumbilical hernia repair from October 1 to October 31, 2023. Metrics analyzed included patient demographics, surgical outcomes, and reasons for inpatient admissions. Results Out of 55 cases, 42 (76%) were successfully discharged as day cases, while 13 (24%) required inpatient admission. Of these, only one admission was planned, and 12 were unplanned (93%). Surgical causes accounted for 10 of the unplanned admissions, with others due to postoperative issues such as bradycardia or urine retention. Admissions were more common in PM sessions (6/13) compared to AM sessions (7/13). Conclusions The audit demonstrates an acceptable inpatient admission rate following unplanned day-case surgeries. Maintaining current practices is recommended to sustain this performance. Further improvements could be achieved by addressing factors contributing to unplanned admissions, with findings shared at the General Surgery M&M meeting to drive quality enhancements.
Safi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.