Yuleni Navarro
Research Mentor: Irene Carter
Mentor Department: Pediatric Surgery Section, Medicine
Author(s): Jordan Brown, Yuleni Navarro, Irene Carter, Ruth Lewit, Jacky Kwong, Claire Wunker, K Elizabeth Speck
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 117
Abstract
Appendectomy is one of the most common emergency surgical procedures performed in pediatric population, with laparoscopic approaches now considered the standard of care. However, the variation in operative techniques may influence both clinical outcomes and overall healthcare costs. This study evaluates the cost effectiveness of different pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy techniques at a large academic medical center. Using Michigan Medicine’s electronic medical record system, we conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Data collected included operation details, length of stay, postoperative complications, and associated hospital costs such as materials used during surgery. The objective of this project is to compare techniques in terms of both economic impact and patient outcomes, with close attention to factors that may contribute to increased costs without improving clinical benefit. By collaborating with pediatric fellows and research coordinators, we demonstrated and organized operative and patient care data to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the study. Understanding the balance between surgical efficiency, patient safety, and financial burden is critical in pediatric surgery, where value based care and patient outcomes are highly emphasized. The results of this study are intended to guide evidence based decision making on the choice of surgical approach and to find ways to maximize care delivery while also preserving high quality results for pediatric patients having appendectomy.
