Hospital cost categories of one-stage versus two-stage management of common bile duct stones

Background In the era of cost-conscious healthcare, hospitals are focusing on costs. Analysis of hospital costs per cost category may provide indications for potential cost-saving measures in the management of common bile duct stones (CBDS) with gallbladder in situ. Methods Between October 2005 and September 2006, 53 consecutive patients suffering from CBDS underwent either a one-stage procedure [laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with stone clearance and cholecystectomy (LCCE)] or a two-stage procedure [endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy and stone clearance (ERCP/ERS) followed by LCCE]. Costs were defined in different cost categories for each activity centre and were linked to the individual patient via the “bill of activities”. Only patients ( n = 38) with an uneventful post-procedural course and with available cost data were considered for cost analysis. Total length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2 (0–6) days after one-stage and 8 (3–18) days after two-stage procedure ( p