[Socioeconomic advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

A cohort of 100 consecutive patients cholecystectomized by laparoscopy was compared retrospectively under diverse socio-economic viewpoints to a cohort of 100 patients that underwent conventional cholecystectomy by means of the matched pair procedure. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not only combine enhanced comfort and less postoperative pain without loss of safety for the patient, but also offers objectively attainable socio-economic advantages in comparison to conventional, open cholecystectomy. Operation time was not prolonged in laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Patients stayed less long in the hospital and regained fitness for work earlier. The reduced time of inability to work could be lowered in the total cohort by 36% and was thus of great importance, particularly for working people. Costs saved by reduced time of hospitalization by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were balanced by higher additional costs of this procedure. Altogether, total costs for health insurance and other insurances induced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were lower compared to those of conventional operation.