INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the number of acute cholecystitis (AC) cases and the financial burden imposed on patients due to rising healthcare costs in the USA. We hypothesize that the average number of patients admitted for AC will be decreased.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: ICD10 codes were used to identify patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis at Maury Regional Medical Center from 2019-2021. The average length of stay (ALOS) and hospital costs for these patients were compared. Differences in these parameters were determined using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: As compared to total inpatient admissions, the percentages of AC cases in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 0.21%, 0.29%, and 0.30%, respectively, and the average length of stay was 2.68, 2.95, and 3.66 days, respectively. The direct cost per case ranged from $4,900 to $6,100. This data suggests a slight increase in each parameter over time. Linear regression analysis confirms these results, revealing a progressive increase in the number of AC cases, ALOS, and direct cost per case (R2>80%). While the slopes of these regression lines are significantly different (P<0.01), the lines themselves do not deviate significantly from zero.

CONCLUSION: The ALOS and direct cost per case increased at a greater rate than the number of AC cases during 2019-2021. However, this observation is dubious since the slopes of the regression lines did not deviate from zero. It may be possible to achieve a more robust change if the time period was expanded.

References

Article entitled “Multicentre cohort study of acute cholecystitis management during the Covid-19 pandemic.”