Laparoscopic appendectomy. A safety and cost analysis
L. L. Fritts and R. Orlando 3rd
Department of Surgery, Hartford Hospital, CT 06115.
To assess the feasibility of laparoscopic appendectomy, we reviewed
hospital records and charge data for all patients older than age 15 years
who underwent appendectomy between November 1990 and July 1992. Fifty-eight
patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and 206 patients underwent
conventional appendectomy. Intraoperative (1.9%) and postoperative (5.8%)
complication rates were low. The rate of conversion to conventional
appendectomy was 7.7%. Hospital stay and charge analysis was performed on a
cohort of 52 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy and 180 patients
undergoing conventional appendectomy. Total costs were similar. The most
notable difference between the two groups was the operating room supply
charge; this negated any cost savings achieved by the reduced length of
stay following laparoscopic appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a
safe alternative to conventional appendectomy; it shortens hospital stay
and allows patients to resume normal activity more quickly than
conventional appendectomy.
