Factors Influencing Length of Stay in Cholecystectomy Patients in a Community Hospital

Abstract

CONTEXT Gallstone disease is a major health problem addressed by general surgeons, with approximate incidence of 10-15% in the Western world. With increasing focus in the healthcare literature on cost containment, controlling excess lengths of hospital stay (LOS) in this population is paramount. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence LOS in cholecystectomy patients to examine whether results would indicate a possible improvement in perioperative patient care and decrease costs at our community hospital in a suburban setting.