Economics of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy at an Australian tertiary centre in the post COVID-19 era.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a common operation performed worldwide. Indications include acute cholecystitis (AC), with a trend of increasing complexity post-COVID-19. We aim to evaluate the health expenditure on LC at an Australian tertiary centre.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all LC between July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 collecting demographics, costs and wait times and comparisons performed between elective and emergency LC.

Results: 125 patients underwent emergency and 78 elective LC. There was no difference between age, sex or ASA. 67 patients (53.6 ​%) had emergency LC within their booking priority category. Average cost for emergency LC was $12,689.90 with a median stay of four days, compared to $7181.10 and one day for elective (p ​< ​0.01). Operative related costs were the majority with emergency LC higher ($4866.5, 38.4 ​% v $3957.6, 55.1 ​% p ​= ​0.02). The largest cost disparity was nursing costs ($2193.7, 17.3 ​% v 648.3, 9 ​% p ​< ​0.01).

Conclusion: Costs are likely driven by access to emergency theatre time and increased length of stay. A semi-emergency theatre model could save costs.