Outcome of a clinical pathway for discharge within 48 hours after laparoscopic gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: The benefits of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) include decreased pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Our hypothesis was that a clinical pathway for 48-hour discharge after LGB can be implemented safely. METHODS: Charts of patients undergoing LGB were retrospectively reviewed to assess our prospectively placed clinical pathway. Patients were discharged within 48 hours if they met the criteria of the pathway. RESULTS: There were 104 patients who underwent LGB with no intraoperative conversions. Complications included 5 leaks, 5 reoperations, and no mortality. In our series, 76% (n=79) of patients were discharged within 48 hours. Gender and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between those who were discharged in 48 hours and those who were not (P=not significant). No patient who was discharged in 48 hours required return before their scheduled appointment. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients after LGB can be discharged safely in 48 hours. A formal clinical pathway helps decrease hospital stay without adverse patient outcome.