Quantifying the cost of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been widely adopted. While the clinical advantages and disadvantages are well-quantified, the economic cost is less well-studied.

METHODS:

A retrospective audit and case review of a single-centre public hospital consecutive case series was performed using data captured from real-time stock usage tracking technology and review of electronic medical records.

RESULTS:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair requires 11-min (21%) extra theatre time and costs $1268 (370%) more for single-use disposable equipment and prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair does not require significantly more theatre time, but has a higher short-term in-hospital cost. Repair technique should be tailored according to patient factors.

• Authors: Philip Smart, Lindsay Castles
• Journal: ANZ journal of surgery (ANZ J Surg) Vol. 82 Issue 11 Pg. 809-12 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 1445-2197 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 22963428 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2012 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Costs and Cost Analysis
• Female
• Hernia, Inguinal (economics, surgery)
• Herniorrhaphy (economics, methods)
• Humans
• Laparoscopy (economics)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Young Adult