Cost-minimisation analysis of laparoscopic and open appendicectomy

Objective: To compare the direct and indirect costs of laparoscopic and ope n appendicectomy. Design: Randomised study. Setting: University hospital, Sweden. Main outcome measures: Total costs for a defined period of time for each op tion. Results: 102 patients were randomised and 99 were included in the final ana lysis. 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. Th e mean duration of hospital stay, period off work (indirect costs), and tim e to complete recovery did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy has higher direct costs than open o peration and is not as cost-effective when the longterm outcome is the same in both groups.