Cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared to conservative management in people presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis in India.

OBJECTIVES: Gallstone diseases impose a significant economic burden on the health care system; thus, determining cost-effective management for gallstones is essential. We aim to estimate the cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared with conservative management in individuals with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis in India. METHODS: A decision-analytic Markov model was used to compare the costs and QALY of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC), delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC), and conservative management (CM) in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstone/cholecystitis from an Indian health system perspective. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test parameter uncertainties. RESULTS: ELC and DLC, compared to CM, incurred an incremental cost of -₹10,948 ($146) and ₹1,054 ($14) for the 0.032 QALYs gained. The ICER was -₹3,42,758 ($4577) for ELC vs. CM, and ₹33,183 ($443) for DLC vs. CM, suggesting ELC and DLC are cost-effective. ELC saved ₹12,001 ($160) for 0.0002 QALYs gained compared to DLC, resulting in an ICER of -₹6,43,89,441 ($8,59,733). The results were robust to changes in the input parameters in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: ELC is dominant compared to both DLC and CM, and DLC is more cost-effective than CM. Thus, ELC may be preferable to other gallstone disease managements.

Cost analysis of index versus delayed cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a New Zealand Provincial Centre.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests index cholecystectomy (IC) in patients with acute cholecystitis is safe, has decreased hospital stay and is cheaper than delayed cholecystectomy (DC). Costs of cholecystectomy have not previously been investigated in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to compare cost of IC with DC for patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adults admitted to Northland hospitals with acute cholecystitis between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 who underwent subsequent cholecystectomy, was performed. Actual patient-level costs were utilized for cost comparison between IC and DC. Factors associated with increased costs were assessed using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven patients were included in the study; 72 (34%) underwent IC and 139 (65%) DC. There was no significant difference in total cost for IC ($12 767) versus DC ($12 029) (p = 0.192); this persisted on multivariate analysis. Patients having IC had more severe cholecystitis, and 90-day representation rate following DC was 35%. Costs were increased by severity of cholecystitis, age, American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) and travel distance. CONCLUSION: This study showed there is no significant difference in cost between IC and DC for patients with acute cholecystitis in Northland, New Zealand. Severity, increasing age, ASA and travel distance were drivers of costs. To recognize the cost benefits of IC, it is likely that increased rates of IC are needed.

The Need for Accurate Risk Assessment in a High-Risk Patient Population: A NSQIP Study Evaluating Outcomes of Cholecystectomy in the Patient With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy is considered a low-risk procedure with proven safety in many high-risk patient populations. However, the risk of cholecystectomy in patients with active cancer has not been established. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was queried to identify all patients with disseminated cancer who underwent cholecystectomy from 2005 to 2016. Postcholecystectomy outcomes were defined for patients with cancer and those without by comparing several outcomes measures. A multivariate model was used to estimate the odds of 30-d mortality. RESULTS: We compared outcomes in 3097 patients with disseminated cancer to a matched cohort of patients without cancer. Patients with cancer had more comorbidities at baseline: dyspnea (10.5% versus 7.0%, P < 0.0001), steroid use (10.1% versus 3.0%, P < 0.0001), and loss of >10% body weight in 6-mo prior (9.3% versus 1.6%, P < 0.0001). Patients with cancer sustained higher rates of wound (2.3% versus 5.6%, P < 0.0001), respiratory (1.4% versus 3.9%, P < 0.0001), and cardiovascular (2.0% versus 6.8%, P < 0.0001) complications. In addition, patients with disseminated cancer experienced a longer length of stay and higher 30-d mortality. Multivariate modeling showed that the odds of 30-d mortality was 3.3 times greater in patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to patients without cancer, those with disseminated cancer are at higher risk of complication and mortality following cholecystectomy. Traditional treatment algorithms should be used with caution and care decisions individualized based on the patient's disease status and treatment goals.

The Silent Majority of Emergency General Surgery: An Assessment of Consult and Operative Volumes.

BACKGROUND: Defining the work performed by emergency general surgery (EGS) surgeons has relied on quantifying surgical interventions, failing to include nonsurgical management performed. The purpose of this study was to identify the extent of operative and nonoperative patient management provided by an EGS service line in response to consults from other hospital providers. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of all adult patients with an EGS consult request placed from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016 at a 1000-bed tertiary referral center. Consult requests were classified by suspected diagnosis and linked to patient demographic and clinical information. Operative and nonoperative cases were compared. RESULTS: About 4998 EGS consults were requested during the 2-y period, of which 69.6% were placed on the first day of the patient encounter. Disposition outcomes after consultation included admission to the EGS service (27.6%) and discharge from the emergency department (25.3%). Small bowel obstruction, appendicitis, and cholecystitis decisively comprised the top three diagnoses for overall consults and those requiring admission to the EGS service. For every consult requiring an operation (n = 1400), 2.6 consults were managed without an operation (n = 3598). CONCLUSIONS: EGS surgeons are asked to evaluate and manage a variety of potentially surgical diagnoses. As most consults do not require surgical intervention, operative volume is a poor surrogate for quantifying EGS productivity. The role of this service is vital to patient triage and disposition, particularly in the emergency department setting. Institutions should consider the volume of their nonoperative consultations when evaluating EGS service line workload and in guiding staffing needs.

Efficiency of care and cost for common emergency general surgery conditions: Comparison by surgeon training and practice.

BACKGROUND: Our institutional emergency general surgery service is staffed by both trauma and critical care-trained surgeons and other boarded general surgeons and subspecialists. We compared efficiency of care for common emergency general surgery conditions between trauma and critical care-trained surgeons and boarded general surgeons and subspecialists. METHODS: Adults admitted between February 2014 and May 2017 with acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction, incarcerated hernia, or other acute abdominal diagnoses seen by emergency general surgery service were included. Demographic characteristics, consulting surgeon, operations, outcomes, and cost data were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 1,363 patients were included: 384 (28.2%) with acute appendicitis, 477 (35.0%) with acute cholecystitis, 406 (29.8%) with intestinal obstruction, 22 (1.6%) with incarcerated hernia, and 74 (5.4%) with other acute abdominal diagnoses. Trauma and critical care-trained surgeons saw 836 (61.3%) patients. There was no difference in operative management between the two groups, however, trauma and critical care-trained surgeons had significantly less time to the operative room (7.0 vs 12.9 hours; P < .001), without a difference in duration of stay or costs. The subgroups of acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis when treated by trauma and critical care-trained surgeons had less time to the operative room (8.4 vs 17.4 hours; P < .001), shorter hospital stay (2.5 vs 2.8 days; P = .021), and less emergency department cost ($822 vs $876; P = .012). CONCLUSION: Compared with boarded general surgeons and subspecialists, trauma and critical care-trained surgeons provide more efficient care for common emergency general surgery conditions, with less time from consultation to the operative room.

Financial implications of laparoscopic hot gallbladder service in a nontertiary District General Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The service of providing index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy (IALC), as recommended by NIC guidelines, often falls short in nontertiary centres because of a combination of limited resources and financial constraints. METHODS: This retrospective study in a single-centre District General Hospital included 50 patients, eligible to undergo IALC, and calculated potential savings from performing IALC on the day of admission by considering admission tariffs, bed, and operating costs. RESULTS: The IALC was provided in 19 patients (38%), with a mean delay from admission to operation of (median) 3 days. Mean surplus tariff was £1421 and £1571 in IALC and non-IALC groups, respectively. Performing immediate IALC (on the day of admission) for acute cholecystitis (AC) is predicted to increase mean surplus tariff to £2132 per patient, raising total predicted annual surplus by £53 000. Immediate IALC is also predicted to reduce waiting time for day-case LC by freeing up 53 day-case slots, attracting additional £95 600 annually, along with freeing up many inpatient bed days. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that reduction of preoperative stay in AC by expediting operations in every eligible patient promises significant surplus revenue. Additional advantages include reducing inpatient bed days and freeing up operating lists that are otherwise taken up by patients for interval cholecystectomy.

Evidence-based Reviews in Surgery: Early Cholecystectomy for Cholecystitis.

QUESTION: What are the clinical outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute cholecystitis with more than 72 hours of symptoms? DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Single center at the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. PATIENTS: Eighty-six patients were enrolled in the study that had symptoms of acute cholecystitis lasting more than 72 hours before admission. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to early LC or delayed LC. MAIN OUTCOME: Primary outcome was overall morbidity following initial diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included total length of stay, duration of antibiotic used, cost, and surgical outcome. RESULTS: Overall morbidity was lower in early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) [6 (14%) vs 17 (39%) patients, P = 0.015]. Median total length of stay (4 vs 7 days, P < 0.001) and duration of antibiotic therapy (2 vs 10 days, P < 0.001) were shorter in the ELC group. Total hospital costs were lower in ELC (9349&OV0556; vs 12,361&OV0556;, P = 0.018). Operative time and postoperative complications were similar (91 vs 88 minutes; P = 0.910) and (15% vs 17%; P = 1.000), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ELC for acute cholecystitis even beyond 72 hours of symptoms is safe and associated with less overall morbidity, shorter total hospital stay, and duration of antibiotic therapy, as well as reduced cost compared with delayed cholecystectomy.

Statewide assessment of surgical outcomes and the acute care surgery model.

BACKGROUND: The acute care surgery (ACS) model has been widely implemented with single institution studies demonstrating improved outcomes. Recent multicenter studies have raised questions about the economics and efficacy of ACS. This study compares traditional and ACS outcomes across an entire state. METHODS: A retrospective review of Virginia's Health Information administrative database was completed. Adults admitted with appendicitis or cholecystitis between 2008 and 2014 were included. Hospital administration was contacted to determine surgical model. To compare patient characteristics, t-test and chi-square analyses were used. Total charges and length of stay (LOS) differences between ACS and traditional were examined using generalized linear models, whereas logistic regression was used for the presence of complications and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Overall, the ACS model showed an increased proportion of uninsured patients with a higher rate of comorbidities. In the appendicitis subgroup, (n = 22,011; ACS n = 1993), ACS patients had higher total charges ($30,060 versus $28,460, P = 0.013), longer LOS (3.31 versus 2.92 d, P < 0.001), and higher chance of complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, P = 0.016) and mortality (OR = 2.4, P = 0.029). After adjustment for comorbidities and insurance, mortality was no longer significantly different. In the cholecystitis group (n = 6936; ACS n = 777), ACS patients had a longer LOS (4.55 versus 4.13 d; P = 0.009) without significant differences in mortality, complications, or cost. There were no significant differences after adjustment for patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: ACS patients in Virginia have a higher rate of medical comorbidities and uninsured status, with slightly worse outcomes than the traditional model for appendicitis. Further studies to determine which patients benefit the most from ACS are warranted.

Laparoscopic ultrasonography as an alternative to intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

AIM: To assess the role of laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) as a substitute for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during cholecystectomy. METHODS: We present a MEDLINE and PubMed literature search, having used the key-words "laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasound" and "laparoscopic cholecystectomy". All relevant English language publications from 2000 to 2016 were identified, with data extracted for the role of LUS in the anatomical delineation of the biliary tract, detection of common bile duct stones (CBDS), prevention or early detection of biliary duct injury (BDI), and incidental findings during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data for the role of LUS vs IOC in complex situations (i.e., inflammatory disease/fibrosis) were specifically analyzed. RESULTS: We report data from eighteen reports, 13 prospective non-randomized trials, 5 retrospective trials, and two meta-analyses assessing diagnostic accuracy, with one analysis also assessing costs, duration of the examination, and anatomical mapping. Overall, LUS was shown to provide highly sensitive mapping of the extra-pancreatic biliary anatomy in 92%-100% of patients, with more difficulty encountered in delineation of the intra-pancreatic segment of the biliary tract (73.8%-98%). Identification of vascular and biliary variations has been documented in two studies. Although inflammatory disease hampered accuracy, LUS was still advantageous vs IOC in patients with obscured anatomy. LUS can be performed before any dissection and repeated at will to guide the surgeon especially when hilar mapping is difficult due to fibrosis and inflammation. In two studies LUS prevented conversion in 91% of patients with difficult scenarios. Considering CBDS detection, LUS sensitivity and specificity were 76%-100% and 96.2%-100%, respectively. LUS allowed the diagnosis/treatment of incidental findings of adjacent organs. No valuable data for BDI prevention or detection could be retrieved, even if no BDI was documented in the reports analyzed. Literature analysis proved LUS as a safe, quick, non-irradiating, cost-effective technique, which is comparatively well known although largely under-utilized, probably due to the perception of a difficult learning curve. CONCLUSION: We highlight the advantages and limitations of laparoscopic ultrasound during cholecystectomy, and underline its value in difficult scenarios when the anatomy is obscured.

Cost analysis of laparoendoscopic rendezvous versus preoperative ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from controlled trials and meta-analyses suggests that laparoendoscopic rendezvous (LERV) is preferable to sequential treatment in the management of common bile duct stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With this retrospective analysis of a prospective database that included consecutive patients treated for cholecystocholedocholithiasis at our institution between January 2007 and July 2015, we compared LERV with sequential treatment. The primary endpoint was global cost, defined as the cost/patient/hospital stay, and the secondary end points were efficacy and morbidity. Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test was used. RESULTS: Of a total of 249 consecutive patients, 143 underwent LERV (group A) and 106 a two-stage procedure (group B). Based on an average cost of €613 for 1 day of hospital stay in the General Surgery Department, the overall median cost of treatment was €6403 for group A and €8194 for group B (p < 0.001). Operative time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay was significantly longer for group B (p < 0.001). No mortality in either group was observed. The postoperative complications rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A (24.5 vs. 10.5%; p = 0.003). No significant difference in the postoperative pancreatitis rate or the number of patients with increased serum amylase at 24 h was observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that LERV is preferable to sequential treatment not only in terms of less morbidity, but also of lower costs accrued by a shorter hospital stay. However, the longer operative time raises multiple organizational issues in the coordination of surgery and endoscopy services.

A retrospective comparison of robotic cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: operative outcomes and cost analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining popularity in general surgery. Our objective was to evaluate and compare operative outcomes and total costs for robotic cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent single-procedure RC and LC from January 2011 to July 2015 by a single surgeon at a large academic medical center. Demographics, diagnosis, perioperative variables, postoperative complications, 30-day readmissions, and operative and hospital costs were collected and analyzed between those patient groups. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients underwent RC or LC, and comprised the study population. Ninety-seven patients (40.9 %) underwent LC, and 140 patients (50.1 %) underwent RC. Patients who underwent RC had a higher body mass index (p = 0.03), lower rates of coronary artery disease (p < 0.01), and higher rates of chronic cholecystitis (p < 0.01). There were lower rates of intraoperative cholangiography (p < 0.01) and conversion to an open procedure (p < 0.01), however longer operative times (p < 0.01) for patients in the RC group. There were no bile duct injuries in either group, no difference in bile leak rates (p = 0.65), or need for reoperation (p = 1.000). Cost analysis of outpatient-only procedures, excluding cases with conversion to open or use of intraoperative cholangiography, demonstrated higher total charges (p < 0.01) and cost (p < 0.01) and lower revenue (p < 0.01) for RC compared to LC, with no difference in total payments (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic cholecystectomy appears to be safe although costlier in comparison with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term implications of robotic technology, the cost to the health care system, and its role in minimally invasive surgery.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed Via the "Marionette" Technique Shows Equivalence in Outcome and Cost to Standard Four Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Selected Patient Population.

The aim of our study is to compare single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed using the "marionette" technique (m-SILC), to the standard four-port technique [four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4PLC)]. Patient information was extracted from a prospectively maintained database (n = 188). Our primary endpoint was operative costs (determined by operating time and instruments used). Secondary endpoints were length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complication rates. Univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis was used to compare the outcomes. There were a total of 188 patients for this study. Gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and resident participation were similar. Patients undergoing m-SILC were younger (43.8 vs 49.8 years old), less likely to have cholangiogram (32% vs 54%), and were more likely to undergo cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis (73.3% vs 52%). In univariate analysis, cholecystectomy performed by the "marionette method" as compared with the 4PLC was associated with shorter operative time (67 vs 59 minutes respectively) and shorter hospital stay (1.2 vs 2.08 days respectively). In multivariate analysis, SILC was associated with shorter hospital stay and comparable operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Instrumentation cost was less in SILC (by $94). SILC done by an experienced surgeon with the "marionette" technique on a carefully selected population shows a statistically significant cost benefit while maintaining clinically comparable outcomes to the standard 4PLC.

Are hospital process quality indicators influenced by socio-demographic health determinants.

BACKGROUND: This population-level health service study aimed to address whether hospitals assure the same quality of care to people in equal need, i.e. to see if any associations exist between social determinants and adherence to four hospital process indicators clearly identified as being linked to better health outcomes for patients. PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective cohort study based on administrative data collected in the Veneto Region (northeast Italy). We included residents of the Veneto Region hospitalized for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hip fracture, or cholecystitis, and women giving birth, who were discharged from any hospital operating under the Veneto Regional Health Service between January 2012 and December 2012. METHOD: The following quality indicator rates were calculated: patients with STEMI-AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, elderly patients with hip fractures who underwent surgery within 48 h of admission, laparoscopic cholecystectomies and women who underwent cesarean section. A multilevel, multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the association between age, gender, formal education or citizenship and the quality of hospital care processes. RESULTS: All the inpatient hospital care process quality indicators measured were associated with an undesirable number of disparities concerning the social determinants. CONCLUSION: Monitoring the evidence-based hospital health care process indicators reveals undesirable disparities. Administrative data sets are of considerable practical value in broad-based quality assessments and as a screening tool, also in the health disparities domain.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared with observation/conservative management for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis: a systematic review and economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10-15% of the adult population suffer from gallstone disease, cholelithiasis, with more women than men being affected. Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for people who present with biliary pain or acute cholecystitis and evidence of gallstones. However, some people do not experience a recurrence after an initial episode of biliary pain or cholecystitis. As most of the current research focuses on the surgical management of the disease, less attention has been dedicated to the consequences of conservative management. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared with observation/conservative management in people presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones (biliary pain) or cholecystitis. DATA SOURCES: We searched all major electronic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Bioscience Information Service, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from 1980 to September 2012 and we contacted experts in the field. REVIEW METHODS: Evidence was considered from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised comparative studies that enrolled people with symptomatic gallstone disease (pain attacks only and/or acute cholecystitis). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Standard meta-analysis techniques were used to combine results from included studies. A de novo Markov model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions. RESULTS: Two Norwegian RCTs involving 201 participants were included. Eighty-eight per cent of people randomised to surgery and 45% of people randomised to observation underwent cholecystectomy during the 14-year follow-up period. Participants randomised to observation were significantly more likely to experience gallstone-related complications [risk ratio = 6.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57 to 28.51; p = 0.01], in particular acute cholecystitis (risk ratio = 9.55; 95% CI 1.25 to 73.27; p = 0.03), and less likely to undergo surgery (risk ratio = 0.50; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.73; p = 0.0004), experience surgery-related complications (risk ratio = 0.36; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.81; p = 0.01) or, more specifically, minor surgery-related complications (risk ratio = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.56; p = 0.008) than those randomised to surgery. Fifty-five per cent of people randomised to observation did not require an operation during the 14-year follow-up period and 12% of people randomised to cholecystectomy did not undergo the scheduled operation. The results of the economic evaluation suggest that, on average, the surgery strategy costs £1236 more per patient than the conservative management strategy but was, on average, more effective. An increase in the number of people requiring surgery while treated conservatively corresponded to a reduction in the cost-effectiveness of the conservative strategy. There was uncertainty around some of the parameters used in the economic model. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this assessment indicate that cholecystectomy is still the treatment of choice for many symptomatic people. However, approximately half of the people in the observation group did not require surgery or suffer complications in the long term indicating that a conservative therapeutic approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery in this group of people. Owing to the dearth of current evidence in the UK setting a large, well-designed, multicentre trial is needed. STUDY REGISTRATION: The study was registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002817. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Gender based differences in management and outcomes of cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: During the reproductive years, women have a 4-fold higher prevalence of gallstones than men, making gallbladder disease a critically important topic in women's health. Among age-matched women and men hospitalized for cholecystitis, gender based differences in demographics, management, and economic and clinical outcomes were identified. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Outcomes were mortality, complications, length of stay, and cost. RESULTS: Women accounted for 65% of admissions for cholecystitis, with women more likely to have shorter time to surgery (1.6 vs. 1.9 days) and laparoscopy (86 vs. 76%) (P < .05). After cholecystectomy, women had lower mortality (.6% vs. 1.1%), fewer complications (16.9 vs. 24.1), shorter lengths of stay (4.2 vs. 5.4 days), and lower costs ($10,556 vs. $13,201) (P < .05). On multivariate analysis of age-matched patients, women had lower odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR], .75), complications (OR, .86), length of stay (OR, .95), and cost (OR, .93). Longer time to surgery and open cholecystectomy were independent predictors of worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In cholecystitis and cholecystectomy, women have better clinical and economic outcomes then age-matched men.

Biohumoral and endocrine parameters in assessment of surgical trauma in open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Every surgical procedure causes metabolic, endocrine, and hemodynamic stress in the organism. The aim of this work was to assess the extent of trauma following each of the two types of cholecystectomy (traditional/open and laparoscopic) by measuring palette of biochemical parameters. METHODS: This prospective, single- center study included 120 patients subjected to elective cholecystectomy during the period of one year. Sixty patients were treated laparoscopically and 60 traditionally. Biohumoral and endocrine parameters were determined from 24-hour urine and blood. We measured adrenaline, noradrenaline, metabolites of corticosteroid hormones (17-hydroxyl and 17-keto steroids), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, glycemia, creatine-phosphokinase (CPK), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), red blood cells sedimentation and serum concentration of potassium. RESULTS: We observed significantly lower levels of adrenaline (p < 0.01), noradrenaline (p < 0.05), dopamine (p < 01.01), 17-hydroxyl (p < 0.01) and 17-keto steroids (p < 0.01), glycemia (p < 0.01), CPK (p < 0.01), LDH (p < 0.01) and red blood cells sedimentation (p < 0.01) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to traditional one. Significant increase in CRP levels was recorded postoperatively in both groups (p < 0.05), as well as significant decrease in serum albumin values (p < 0.05). Duration of the hospitalization following laparoscopic cholecystectomy was significantly shorter (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The intensity of organism response is proportional to the intensity of surgical trauma. Metabolic, tissue and neuroendocrine response of organism to trauma has lower intensity after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.