Question:
Does anyone know which costs less, lap or open surgery?

I think open is around $20,000, how much if done laparoscopically? Thanks!    — Cheryl T. (posted on August 23, 2002)

August 23, 2002
Lap may be cheaper because LAPS generally spend ferwer days hospalitized. OR and equiptement costs more. Its a mixed bag but if your self pay go lap, it elminates the chane of a incisonal herias, 30% of opens get them, requiribng a fooolw up surgery,,,
   — bob-haller

August 23, 2002
I am still pre-op, but my surgeon charges 7k for lap and 5k for open. The hospital I am having my surgery tends to charge around 24k for lap- I don't know about open. You also have to factor in the anesthiologist which for lap is usually around $1700. You will learn that the costs vary from state to state as well as if there are complications. I had asked a similar question months ago and there were prices (for the hospital) ranging from 14k to 80k (and these members said there were NO complications!). These are averages for RNY- other types may be cheaper. After all is said and done, I think my bill for everything (surgeon, hospital, anesthesia) will total around 30k (I have a friend who used the same surgeon, same hospital and same type of surgery). I would ask your surgeon, surgeon's nurse or other patients of his/her. Hope this helps...
   — karmiausnic

August 23, 2002
If you are self pay, then they don't charge you what they charge teh insurance company. The lap is about $2000 more than open. I had open and doing good. Hospital is the same for both lap and open if there are no complications. good luck
   — Jennifer S.