Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction
Published on: March 24, 2023
A cost-minimization analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy
U Berggren1, N Zethraeus, D Arvidsson
1Department of Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.
Background:
Earlier economic analyses have evaluated charges but not costs, and have not considered the cost of production losses associated with open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study attempted to accomplish an economic evaluation of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy from the point of view of society.
Methods:
A cost-minimization analysis, using a clinical decision model, was performed. The data used were taken from different clinical studies, Swedish national registers, local patient statistics, and hospital accounting systems. The direct and indirect costs were measured.
Results:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy resulted in cost savings per patient amounting to about 2,400 SEK (as of 31 August 1994, Pound = 11.90 SEK; $1 = 7.76 SEK) compared with open surgery.
Conclusions:
From the point of view of society, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was a cost-saving strategy if at least 68 patients were operated on yearly. However, with regard to hospital costs, open cholecystectomy was less expensive than laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
