Abstract

MOORE, John Henry et al. Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a cost-efficient model of laparoscopic surgery. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2004, vol.19, n.1, pp.43-53. ISSN 2011-7582.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold stantadard in the treatment of biliary gallbladder disease. It has demonstrated better cost-effectiveness as compared with the open procedure. In Latin America cholecystectomy continues to be performed by the open method at the majority of institutions, and when performed by laparoscopy it is done as an in-patient procedure. The principal argument against laparoscopic cholecystectomy is its higher cost an the potential risks and fear of medicolegal actions. The experience at Centro de Cirugía Ambulatoria of Bogotá, Colombia, has demonstrated that the ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an excellent option, that is associated with the same effectiveness as the in-patient procedure, but with significant medical, social and financial advantages to the healthcare system. This paper presents the main characateristics of the new model and compares it with the current in-patient model.

Keywords : laparoscopic cholecystectomy; ambulatory surgery; cost-effectiveness analysis financial models.

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