Systematic review of day-case laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is increasingly being performed on a day-case basis. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review published data on day-case or ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication and discuss the differing criteria for patient selection, postoperative management and patient outcomes presented in each series. Methods: An optimally sensitive search strategy of subject headings and text words were used and the databases used included MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. All databases were searched from 1 January 1994 onwards. Results: A total of seven papers were included in the present review, of which six were prospective single-cohort studies. Overall, there was large heterogeneity among the studies but with similar complication and readmission rates. Conclusions: Short-term outcomes for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in terms of complications and readmission rates are comparable to inpatient procedures. However there is a paucity of published data.