Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis

ABSTRACT Background laparoscopic appendectomy with subsequent hospitalization is the standard treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is emerging as a safe and effective alternative, with potential benefits including a shorter hospital stay, more efficient use of resources and higher patient satisfaction. Methods we conducted a single-center retrospective study comparing outcomes of patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy between August 2023 and August 2024 with a historical cohort of patients who were hospitalized following an appendectomy due to acute appendicitis between April 2022 and March 2023. Primary outcomes included success rate of outpatient management, postoperative complications, readmissions, and patient satisfaction. Results 81 patients underwent outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy and 86 underwent hospitalized laparoscopic appendectomy during the study period. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the outpatient group (6.4 vs. 24 hours; p < 0.001). Outpatient management was successful in 97.5% of cases. No significant differences were observed in complications or readmissions between groups. All readmissions in the outpatient group (4%) occurred early in the protocol and resolved without major interventions. Conclusions outpatient management is a feasible and safe alternative for selected adult patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The adoption of this measure significantly reduces hospital stay without increasing complications or readmissions. Strict patient selection, effective communication, and systematic protocols are essential for success. This is the first reported experience of outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy in Argentina, validating its viability as a standard of care in similar healthcare environments.