Our Summary

This study analyzed the cost of a common surgery called laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removing the gallbladder using small cuts and a camera) across 20 hospitals in the United States. It found that the average cost per surgery varied widely, from $296 to $658. The main difference in cost came from the use of disposable vs. reusable surgical instruments. The study found that using reusable instruments could save over $300 per surgery, without increasing the time of the operation or the risk of complications afterward. This could lead to savings of $1.3 million annually for their health system, and $285 million nationwide. There were no significant differences in patient health or post-surgery complications between the hospitals that charged more or less. The study concluded that using reusable instruments can significantly decrease costs without negatively impacting patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What factors contribute to the variation in cost of laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries?
  2. How much potential savings can be made by using reusable surgical instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries?
  3. Does the use of reusable surgical instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries impact the time of the operation or the risk of complications afterward?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laparoscopic cholecystectomy is to inquire about the use of reusable surgical instruments during the procedure. This can potentially lead to cost savings for the patient and the healthcare system without affecting the quality of care or increasing the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic gallstones, acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), biliary colic (gallbladder pain), and gallbladder polyps. This minimally invasive surgery is often preferred over traditional open cholecystectomy due to its shorter recovery time, less pain, and lower risk of complications.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of gallbladder disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm gallbladder disease.
  3. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including fasting and medication adjustments.
  2. Patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure under general anesthesia.
  3. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
  4. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, such as pain management, diet modifications, and activity restrictions.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the cost difference between using disposable vs. reusable surgical instruments for my laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure?
  2. Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to using reusable instruments for this surgery?
  3. How does the use of reusable instruments affect the overall quality of the surgery outcome?
  4. Are there any specific guidelines or recommendations for choosing between disposable and reusable instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
  5. Are there any other cost-saving measures or options available for this surgery that I should consider?
  6. How does the cost of the surgery impact my overall healthcare expenses and insurance coverage?
  7. Can you provide more information on the potential savings and benefits of using reusable instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, based on the findings of this study?
  8. Are there any specific considerations or factors to keep in mind when discussing cost-saving options for this surgery with my insurance provider or healthcare facility?
  9. Are there any other studies or research that support the use of reusable instruments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes?
  10. What steps or actions can I take as a patient to ensure that the cost of my laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure is minimized while maintaining high-quality care and safety standards?

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