Perioperative outcomes of same-day discharge laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using the MBSAQIP database

There has been a rising trend of outpatient bariatric surgery, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and outcomes of same-day discharge laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) using the MBSAQIP database.

In this retrospective study, the MBSAQIP was queried for patients undergoing non-revisional LRYGB between 2020 and 2021. Two cohorts were established: same-day discharge (SDD; length of stay = 0 days) and next-day discharge (POD1; length of stay = 1 day), with the latter serving as a control group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were employed to compare outcomes between cohorts.

A total of 48,408 patients underwent LRYGB, with 1,918 (4.0%) SDD and 46,490 (96.0%) POD1. The two cohorts were similar in mean age (SDD 44.2 ± 11.3 years vs POD1 44.0 ± 11.3 years; p = 0.61) and female sex (SDD 83.8% vs POD1 83.1%; p = 0.43). However, the POD1 cohort had a higher preoperative body mass index (45.4 ± 7.3 vs 44.9 ± 7.3 kg/m2; p < 0.01). Preoperative anticoagulation and obstructive sleep apnea were more prevalent in the POD1 group. There was no difference in overall 30-day overall complication rates (SDD 2.0% vs POD1 2.3%; p = 0.51), reintervention, reoperations, mortality, and emergency department visits between the two cohorts. Readmissions were lower in the SDD cohort (2.9% vs 4.0%; p = 0.02), whereas the need for outpatient intravenous hydration was higher in the SDD cohort (6.7% vs 3.6%; p < 0.01). This finding remained significant even after adjustment for confounders.

Same-day LRYGB is safe and feasible, with comparable complication rates to next-day discharge. Notably, SDD is associated with lower readmission rate and higher need for outpatient intravenous hydration, possibly reflecting rigorous bariatric protocols and thorough patient follow-up. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the selection criteria and optimize postoperative care for outpatient LRYGB.