Laparoscopic colectomy typically results in a significant reduction of healthcare costs and utilization, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery.
Here are seven key notes:
1. Researchers examined national health insurance claims data to evaluate healthcare utilization and costs up to one year following elective colectomy.
2. Patients between the ages of 18 to 64 years who underwent elective laparoscopic or open colectomy from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, were included.
3. Of 25,481 patients who underwent colectomy, 4,160 were included in the study.
4. The study found that the mean net and total payments were $23,064 and $24,196 respectively for laparoscopy.
5. Whereas the mean net and total payments for open colectomy were $29,753 and $31,606.
6. In the first 90 days after surgery, an open approach was associated with a 1.26-fold increase in healthcare costs, increased use of healthcare services and more estimated days off from work.
7. Similarly, at one year post-surgery, there was an estimated 1.18-fold increase in healthcare expenditures associated with open colectomy.
