Cost-minimisation analysis of laparoscopic and open appendicectomy.

OBJECTIVE To compare the direct and indirect costs of laparoscopic and open appendicectomy. DESIGN Randomised study. SETTING University hospital, Sweden. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total costs for a defined period of time for each option. RESULTS 102 patients were randomised and 99 were included in the final analysis. All patients had completely recovered within two months of operation. Disposable extra material used for the laparoscopic operation and longer operating time raised its median cost by SEK 912 and 1785, respectively. The mean duration of hospital stay, period off work (indirect costs), and time to complete recovery did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic appendicectomy has higher direct costs than open operation and is not as cost-effective when the longterm outcome is the same in both groups.