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Costs of waiting for gall bladder surgery
K Somasekar1, P J Shankar, M E Foster
1Department of Surgery, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, Wales, UK. somas2@hotmail.com
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|December 24, 2002
Summary
Many patients awaiting gallbladder surgery experience emergency admissions due to gallstone symptoms. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy could reduce patient morbidity and NHS costs associated with these recurrent hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common procedure in the UK.
- Patients awaiting surgery often face recurrent gallstone-related symptoms and complications.
- These admissions increase patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify emergency admissions in patients awaiting cholecystectomy.
- To analyze the cost implications of these admissions for the National Health Service (NHS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy (Jan 1999-Jan 2000).
- Data collected on demographics, indications, emergency admissions, and treatments.
- Analysis of admission episodes, diagnostic tests, duration, and costs.
Main Results:
- 156 patients included; 78% were female, mean age 54 years.
- Mean waiting time was 12 months.
- 23.7% of patients (37/156) had 47 emergency admissions for gallstone complications.
- Admissions included biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, and pancreatitis.
- Total cost of admissions was £44,462, averaging £946 per episode.
Conclusions:
- Performing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially for acute cholecystitis, may reduce costs by preventing recurrent emergency admissions.
- Further research into risk factors for recurrent gallstone symptoms could help prioritize patients for earlier surgery.