Laparoscopic colposuspension. Is it cost-effective?
BACKGROUND
The laparoscopic approach must be shown to be cost-effective as well as safe and technically effective before being widely adopted. A review of 54 consecutive patients who underwent open and laparoscopic colposuspension is presented and a cost-analysis is performed comparing the two approaches.


METHODS
This study was a retrospective controlled review of patient records and accounts of in-hospital costs incurred at a private hospital.


RESULTS
Theater costs were significantly greater in the laparoscopic group but this was balanced by a shorter length of stay and subsequent reduced accommodation cost. There was no difference in the overall in-hospital costs between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The laparoscopic surgical approach is safe and effective and by no means more expensive than the open approach. In the future, the laparoscopic approach can only become more cost efficient; techniques will improve and there will be earlier returns to work and, subsequently, greater productivity.
Loveridge
K
K
Strathfield Private Hospital, University of Sydney, 3 Everton Road, Strathfield NSW 2135, Australia.
Malouf
A
A
Kennedy
C
C
Edgington
A
A
Lam
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*