[Outpatient cholecystectomy as the next step? : Discussion and possible criteria in the selection of patients].

Background: While laparoscopic cholecystectomy has largely been performed in an outpatient setting in some countries for years, in Germany it is still generally performed on an inpatient basis; however, with the progressive ambitions for more outpatient treatment within the German healthcare system, laparoscopic cholecystectomy will (have to) increasingly be performed on an outpatient basis in the upcoming years.

Aim of the work: Presentation of the current framework conditions and the potential for outpatient performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Germany. Presentation and discussion on the current state of knowledge regarding patient selection, treatment pathways and safety of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results: The potential for outpatient management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Germany is high. Based on the current literature, there are no safety concerns regarding outpatient performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in selected patients.

Conclusion: Outpatient management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is inevitably heading our way in the next years. The key to successful change will be comprehensive patient information, patient selection and structured outpatient treatment pathways.