title: A time and cost analysis of the management of incomplete abortion with manual vacuum aspiration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Traditionally, management of incomplete abortion involves use of D&C or suction curettage in the operating room. Such management is costly and time-consuming. In order to potentially save time and money, we studied the use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage (MVAC) for the management of this problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on hospital charges and times (e.g. waiting time, procedure time) were obtained for all cases of incomplete abortion presenting to hospital between January 1990 and July 1992. Between January 1990 and July 1991, all cases were managed traditionally. After July 1991, all cases were managed using MVAC in either the emergency room or the labor ward.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the use of electrical suction equipment in the operating theatre, MVAC procedures resulted in significant savings in terms of both waiting times and costs. Waiting time was reduced by 52% and procedure time was reduced from a mean of 33 min to 19 min (P < 0.01). Total hospital costs were reduced by 41% (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage in the management of incomplete abortion can reduce hospital costs and save time for both patients and clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Francis Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Blumenthal
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Remsburg
mesh_terms: D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011247:Pregnancy; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000191:economics