Laparoscopic appendectomy. A safety and cost analysis.

To assess the feasibility of laparoscopic appendectomy, we reviewed hospital records and charge data for all patients older than age 15 years who underwent appendectomy between November 1990 and July 1992. Fifty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and 206 patients underwent conventional appendectomy. Intraoperative (1.9%) and postoperative (5.8%) complication rates were low. The rate of conversion to conventional appendectomy was 7.7%. Hospital stay and charge analysis was performed on a cohort of 52 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy and 180 patients undergoing conventional appendectomy. Total costs were similar. The most notable difference between the two groups was the operating room supply charge; this negated any cost savings achieved by the reduced length of stay following laparoscopic appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe alternative to conventional appendectomy; it shortens hospital stay and allows patients to resume normal activity more quickly than conventional appendectomy.