LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - WHAT NATIONAL BENEFITS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED AND AT WHAT COST

Changes in the practice of surgery following the introduction of lapar oscopic cholecystectomy (removing asymptomatic gallstones, duplicating procedures for diagnosing and managing common bile duct stones, and d eferring laparoscopic management of complicated gallstones) as well as the increased rate of complications (particularly duct injury), have eroded the economic benefits to health care funders of shorter hospita l stays. However, these benefits may be achieved if laparoscopic proce dures are performed only by experienced surgeons and if the procedure is offered to all patients with gallstones, including complicated case s. Benefits to the community remain in terms of productivity savings a s a result of an earlier return to work for patients.