Routine intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy is a cost-effective approach when analysing the cost of iatrogenic bile duct injuries.

BACKGROUND: The total cost of bile duct injuries (BDIs) in an unselected national cohort of patients undergoing cholecystectomy are unknown. The aim was to evaluate costs associated with treatment of cholecystectomy-related BDIs and to calculate cost effectiveness of routine vs. on-demand intraoperative cholangiography (IOC).

METHODS: Data from Swedish patients suffering a BDI during a 5 year period were analysed. Questionnaires to investigate loss-of-production and health status (EQ-5D) were distributed to patients who suffered a BDI during cholecystectomy and who underwent uneventful cholecystectomy (matched control group). Costs per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained by intraoperative diagnosis were estimated for two strategies: routine versus on-demand IOC during cholecystectomy.

RESULTS: Intraoperative diagnosis, immediate intraoperative repair, and minor BDI were all associated with reduced direct treatment costs compared to postoperative diagnosis, delayed repair, and major BDI (all p < 0.001). No difference was noted in loss-of-production for minor versus major BDIs or between different treatment strategies. The cost per QALY gained with routine intraoperative cholangiography (ICER-incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) to achieve intraoperative diagnosis was €50,000.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative detection and immediate intraoperative repair is the superior strategy with less than half the cost and superior functional patient outcomes than postoperative diagnosis and delayed repair. The cost per QALY gained (ICER) using routine IOC was considered reasonable.