Cost analysis of index versus delayed cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a New Zealand Provincial Centre.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests index cholecystectomy (IC) in patients with acute cholecystitis is safe, has decreased hospital stay and is cheaper than delayed cholecystectomy (DC). Costs of cholecystectomy have not previously been investigated in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to compare cost of IC with DC for patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adults admitted to Northland hospitals with acute cholecystitis between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 who underwent subsequent cholecystectomy, was performed. Actual patient-level costs were utilized for cost comparison between IC and DC. Factors associated with increased costs were assessed using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven patients were included in the study; 72 (34%) underwent IC and 139 (65%) DC. There was no significant difference in total cost for IC ($12 767) versus DC ($12 029) (p = 0.192); this persisted on multivariate analysis. Patients having IC had more severe cholecystitis, and 90-day representation rate following DC was 35%. Costs were increased by severity of cholecystitis, age, American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) and travel distance. CONCLUSION: This study showed there is no significant difference in cost between IC and DC for patients with acute cholecystitis in Northland, New Zealand. Severity, increasing age, ASA and travel distance were drivers of costs. To recognize the cost benefits of IC, it is likely that increased rates of IC are needed.

The effect of rurality and ethnicity in patients with acute cholecystitis in Northland, New Zealand.

AIM: Acute cholecystitis is a common reason for emergency admission. Rurality and ethnicity are associated with poorer surgical outcomes, but data in benign disease is sparse. This study aims to assess the effect of rurality and ethnicity on the severity, management, and outcomes of acute cholecystitis. METHODS: A five-year retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all adults admitted to Northland hospitals with acute cholecystitis. The primary cohort was identified using coding. Severity and outcome data was obtained. Severity was defined according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18). Primary outcomes of interest were the difference in severity of acute cholecystitis, and clinical management between groups. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-seven patients were included. There were no significant differences in the severity of acute cholecystitis, rate of acute cholecystectomy, elective cholecystectomy, or non-operative management by rurality or ethnicity. Maori patients presented at a significantly younger age and were more likely to re-present while on the waiting list for elective surgery. CONCLUSION: This study found similar clinical severity, management and outcomes comparing rural and urban patients. Maori patients presented at a significantly younger age.