Background: Only a few studies address the financial impact of the management of bile duct injuries (BDI). This study was aimed to assess the cost of BDI sustained during cholecystectomy.
Methods: Patients who underwent surgical repair for post cholecystectomy BDI and due for routine follow up between August 2006 and September 2007 were called for an interview.
Results: 47 patients were interviewed. There were 39 (83%) women and 8 (17%) men. The median direct cost was US$ 1626 (451-11,009); ` 73,983 (20,521-500,910). The median indirect cost was US$ 312 (26-2,708); ` 14,196 (1,183-123,214). Total median cost was US$ 2,045 (488- 12,369); ` 93,046 (22,204-562,790). The median total costs of management of BDI was 9.98 times the costs of a cholecystectomy at our centre (US$ 205); (` 9,328) and was 8.41 times the median monthly income of the patients (US$ 243); (` 11,057).
Conclusions: Our results will help the hospital administrators and the insurance agencies to calculate and revise the packages and premium for cholecystectomy so that the extra cost of a possible BDI is evenly distributed.