Author's response to reviews Title: Cost-minimization analysis in a blind randomized trial on small-incision versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy from a societal perspective. Sick leave outweighs efforts in hospital savings. Authors:

Cost-minimization analysis in a blind randomized trial on small-incision versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy from a societal perspective: sick leave outweighs efforts in hospital savings

BACKGROUND After its introduction, laparoscopic cholecystectomy rapidly expanded around the world and was accepted the procedure of choice by consensus. However, analysis of evidence shows no difference regarding primary outcome measures between laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy. In absence of clear clinical benefit it may be interesting to focus on the resource use associated wit...

Author's response to reviews Title: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis coinciding with cavernous transformation of the portal vein: Report of a case Authors:

Prospective randomized trial using cost-utility analysis of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute gallbladder disease.

BACKGROUND This randomized controlled trial compared the cost-utility of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy with that for conventional management of newly diagnosed acute gallbladder disease. METHODS Adults admitted to hospital with a first episode of biliary colic or acute cholecystitis were randomized to an early intervention group (36 patients, operation within 72 h of admission) or a conv...

Randomized clinical trial of small-incision and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis: primary and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the primary and clinical outcomes in laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy. DESIGN Blinded randomized single-center trial emphasizing methodologic quality and generalizability. SETTING General teaching hospital in the Netherlands. PATIENTS A total of 257 patients undergoing cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. INTERVENTIONS Laparoscopic ch...

A cost-minimization analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy.

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...