Open AccessCost‐minimisation analysis of laparoscopic and open appendicectomy
Author(s) -
Kald Anders,
Kullman Eric,
Anderberg Bo,
Wirén Mikael,
Carlsson Per,
Ringqvist Ivar,
Rudberg Claes
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-9271
pISSN - 1102-4151
DOI - 10.1080/110241599750006497
Subject(s) - medicine , minimisation (clinical trials) , surgery , cost analysis , indirect costs , laparoscopy , total cost , general surgery , business , accounting , pathology , economics , engineering , reliability engineering , microeconomics
Objective: To compare the direct and indirect costs of laparoscopic and open appendicectomy. Design: Randomised study. Setting: University hospital, Sweden. Main outcome measures: Total costs for a defined period of time for each option. Results: 102 patients were randomised and 99 were included in the final analysis. All patients had completely recovered within two months of operation. Disposable extra material used for the laparoscopic operation and longer operating time raised its median cost by SEK 912 and 1785, respectively. The mean duration of hospital stay, period off work (indirect costs), and time to complete recovery did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy has higher direct costs than open operation and is not as cost‐effective when the longterm outcome is the same in both groups. Copyright © 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd.