Postoperative Symptom Distress of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Ambulatory Surgery Patients

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to (1) identify symptoms that cause postoperative distress in ambulatory surgery patients; (2) identify symptom management techniques that effectively reduce distress of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) postoperative symptoms at home after ambulatory surgery; and (3) identify facilitators and barriers to self-management of postoperative symptoms. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Two focus groups of ambulatory surgery patients who had experienced a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure and their caregivers were queried to elicit understanding of postoperative symptoms and symptom management techniques. Findings: Themes identified included distressing symptoms and consequences of surgery, symptom management, and self-management facilitators and barriers. Pain was a major symptom after surgery and impacted mobility and sleep. Participants in our study wanted realistic information about symptoms and more specific information on symptom management. Caregivers were important to the success of symptom management but experienced their own stress. Conclusions: Perianesthesia nurses should focus not only on the immediate recovery, but also prepare patients and their caregivers for the more prolonged issues of recovery at home.