Laparoscopic colectomy vs traditional colectomy for diverticulitis. Outcome and costs.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis.


METHODS
Fourteen consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy (LSC) for diverticulitis were evaluated. Medical records from a control group of 14 matched patients undergoing traditional open sigmoid colectomy (OSC) for diverticulitis were reviewed for comparison.


RESULTS
Mean age, operative time, morbidity, and mortality of the LSC and OSC groups were not significantly different. However, the mean estimated blood loss (171cc vs 321cc), days to p.o. liquids (2.9 vs 6.1), and postoperative stay (6.3 vs 9.2 days) were all significantly less in the LSC patients. Although the mean operating room charges were greater in the LSC patients ($10,589 vs $8,207) the mean total hospital charges ($29,981 vs $36,745) and costs ($11,528 vs $13,426) were markedly less.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with OSC for diverticulitis, LSC results in a more rapid return of bowel function and shortened hospital stay. Despite the greater operating room charges of LSC, the total hospital charges and costs are lessened.
Liberman
M A
MA
Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Phillips
E H
EH
Carroll
B J
BJ
Fallas
M
M
Rosenthal
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003082:Colectomy / Q000191:economics; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000601:surgery; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000601:surgery*; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D017722:Hospital Charges; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000191:economics; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome