Title
Cost-Effective Approach to the Laparoscopic Appendectomy : Balancing Disposable Instrument Cost With Operative Time
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2020
Publication Title
The American surgeon
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Surgeons can help reduce health care spending by selecting affordable and efficient instruments. The laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is commonly performed and can serve as a model for improving health care cost. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients who underwent LA for non-perforated appendicitis from March 2015 to November 2017. Our objective was to determine which combination of disposable instruments afforded the lowest total operative cost without compromising postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 1857 consecutive patients were reviewed from 2 hospitals. After determining the 8 most commonly utilized combinations of disposable instruments, 846 patients were ultimately analyzed. The combination of a LigaSure, Endoloop, and an EndoBag (LEB) had the shortest median operative time (25 minutes, P < .001) and lowest median total operative cost ($1893, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The LEB instrument combination rendered the shortest operative time, lowest total operative cost, and can be used to maximize surgical value during LA.
Volume
86
Issue
6
First Page
715
Last Page
720
Recommended Citation
DeMare, Alexander M.; Luehmann, Natalie C.; Kawak, Samer; Abbott, Emily E.; Long, Jordan; Akay, Begum; Brahmamdam, Pavan; Iacco, Anthony A.; and Novotny, Nathan M., "Cost-Effective Approach to the Laparoscopic Appendectomy : Balancing Disposable Instrument Cost With Operative Time" (2020). Articles. 2.
https://scholarlyworks.beaumont.org/pediatric_surgery_articles/2
DOI
10.1177/0003134820923337
PubMed ID
32683956