Economic impact of hospitalizations for lower abdominal adhesiolysis in the United States in 1988.

Much has been written about adhesion formation and prevention. Little is known about the number and cost of hospitalizations during which adhesiolysis is performed. This report describes the number of hospitalizations and days of care attributable to adhesiolysis in the United States and estimates the costs associated with these stays. The cost per hospital day and associated surgeons' fees are based on prevailing nationwide charges. During 1988, there were 281,982 hospitalizations during which adhesiolysis was performed, accounting for 948,727 days of inpatient care. These hospitalizations were responsible for an estimated $1,179.9 million in expenditures, of which $925.0 million was associated with hospital costs and $254.9 million with surgeons' fees. This estimate does not include outpatient costs and indirect costs. The results of this study demonstrate substantial costs associated with hospitalizations for adhesiolysis. Further understanding and prevention of adhesions may help to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates.