Salpingo-oophorectomy: clinical and financial analyses of laparoscopic and open techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical results and financial costs of salpingo-oophorectomy performed by laparoscopy versus laparotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparison of laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy with procedures performed by laparotomy.

SETTING

St. Vincent's Hospital and Fallon Clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts.

PATIENTS

Twenty women in both groups.

INTERVENTIONS

Salpingo-oophorectomies performed by laparoscopy and laparotomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Women undergoing laparotomy had a 25% rate of postoperative complications compared with 0% of those having laparoscopy. The duration of the procedures and hospital charges were similar for both groups. Length of hospital stay and time to return to work were significantly less after laparoscopy than laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy was associated with significantly fewer complications than the operations performed by laparotomy. Although women in the laparoscopy group had a shorter hospital stay, their higher charges were attributed to costly disposable instruments. Patients benefit from early return to work and other activities after laparoscopy.