Personal Viewpoint - Surgical packages for laparoscopic surgery

′Packages′ are in fashion today for most surgical procedures in various corporate hospitals and this has included laparoscopic procedures too. A package system enables the hospitals to get cost settlements done more easily. Also, it is more convenient for the patients who are aware upfront of the charges. The principal disadvantages seems to be for the surgeon, who may face displeasure of the patient, hospital or insurance agencies apart from forfeiting his personal charges if (a) he is a novice in laparoscopic surgery and takes extra time to complete a procedure, (b) unforeseen problems occur during surgery, or (c) new pathologies are discovered on exploration.