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Comparing the Clinical and Economic Impact of Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection

  • Hepatobiliary Tumors
  • Published:
Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection has thus far not gained widespread acceptance among liver surgeons. Valid questions remain regarding the relative clinical superiority of the laparoscopic approach as well as whether laparoscopic hepatectomy carries any economic benefit compared with open liver surgery.

Objective

The aim of this work is to compare the clinical and economic impact of laparoscopic versus open left lateral sectionectomy (LLS).

Methods

Between May 2002 and July 2008, 44 laparoscopic LLS and 29 open LLS were included in the analysis. Deviation-based cost modeling (DBCM) was utilized to compare the combined clinical and economic impact of the open and laparoscopic approaches.

Results

The laparoscopic approach compared favorably with the open approach from both a clinical and economic standpoint. Not only was the median length of stay (LOS) shorter by 2 days in the laparoscopic group (3 versus 5 days, respectively, P = 0.001), but the laparoscopic cohort also benefited from a significant reduction in postoperative morbidity (P = 0.001). Because the groups differed significantly in age and ratio of benign to malignant disease, a subgroup analysis limited to patients with malignant disease was undertaken. The same reduction in LOS and postoperative morbidity was evident within the malignant subgroup undergoing laparoscopic LLS (P = 0.003). The economic impact of the laparoscopic approach was noteworthy, with the laparoscopic approach US$1,527–2,939 more cost efficient per patient compared with the open technique.

Conclusion

Our study seems not only to corroborate the safety and clinical benefit of the laparoscopic approach but also suggests a fiscally important cost advantage for the minimally invasive approach.

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Acknowledgment

Supported by the NIH Roadmap Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Career Development Award Grants (K12 HD04910 and NCI-5K07CA118576) from the National Institute of Health and grants (1 K07 CA118576-01 and R21CA127046-01A1) from the National Cancer Institute.

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Correspondence to T. Clark Gamblin MD, MS.

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Vanounou, T., Steel, J.L., Nguyen, K.T. et al. Comparing the Clinical and Economic Impact of Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection. Ann Surg Oncol 17, 998–1009 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-009-0839-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-009-0839-0

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