Our Summary

This research paper looks at the cost of a common surgical procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is used to remove the gallbladder. The study analyzed the cost of this operation across 20 hospitals and found that the cost can vary significantly, with the average cost ranging from $296 to $658 per procedure. They also found no connection between the cost of the operation and the time it took to perform or the number of these surgeries a hospital did. Interestingly, they found that the biggest cost drivers were certain disposable tools used in the surgery. The authors suggest that by switching to reusable tools, hospitals could save over $300 per procedure. This could result in an annual savings of $1.3 million for their health system, or $285 million across the whole of the US. Importantly, they found that using reusable tools would not increase the time it takes to do the surgery or lead to more complications after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the average cost of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy according to the research?
  2. What factors were identified as the biggest cost drivers for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
  3. How could hospitals potentially save money on laparoscopic cholecystectomies according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cholecystectomy is to ask the hospital about the cost of the procedure and inquire about the use of reusable tools. By doing so, the patient may be able to save money on their surgery without compromising the quality of care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, gallbladder cancer, and biliary dyskinesia. Patients who experience recurrent episodes of biliary colic, jaundice, or pancreatitis may also be candidates for cholecystectomy. Additionally, patients with a high risk of developing complications from gallstones, such as those with diabetes or a history of acute pancreatitis, may be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo cholecystectomy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s symptoms and risk factors.

Timeline

Before Cholecystectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of gallbladder issues such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm gallbladder disease.
  3. Patient and surgeon discuss treatment options, including cholecystectomy.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations for surgery.

During Cholecystectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope and other surgical tools to remove the gallbladder.
  3. Procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.

After Cholecystectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and bloating in the abdomen following surgery.
  3. Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, including dietary restrictions and activity limitations.
  4. Patient may experience diarrhea or digestive issues as the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder.
  5. Patient follows up with surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of having a cholecystectomy?
  2. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that could be considered instead of surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after a cholecystectomy?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with having your gallbladder removed?
  5. How many cholecystectomies have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  8. How long will the surgery take, and how long will I need to stay in the hospital?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or restrictions I should follow before or after the surgery?
  10. Are there any potential cost-saving measures or alternatives that could be considered for the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Pontarelli EM, Grinberg GG, Isaacs RS, Morris JP, Ajayi O, Yenumula PR. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2019 Jul;33(7):2339-2344. doi: 10.1007/s00464-018-6526-0. Epub 2018 Nov 28. PMID: 30488194