The costs for elective cholecystectomies were measured 1955, 1965 and 1975. The average length of stay decreased by 25% between 1955 and 1965 and with the same amount between 1965 and 1975. In spite of these marked reductions in the average length of stay there was only a significant decrease in costs between 1955 and 1965 but not between 1965 and 1975.