Managing gallbladder disease in a cost-effective manner

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has resulted in a decrease in unit cost for the procedure but an increase in total health care costs for gallstone disease. Cost-effective management of gallbladder disease requires strategies to limit length of stay and to decrease dependence on disposable instruments. Selective cholangiography, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and judicious postoperative use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography also have roles in cost-effective gallstone treatment.