Economic evaluation of open versus laparoscopic hernia repair: some pragmatic considerations for the measurement of costs.
Laparoscopic hernia repair costs more than open repair. This increase in cost largely is because of the use of disposables. Indirect cost benefits of laparoscopic procedure because of a more rapid return to normal activity are different to calculate but may be present for select groups of patients.
McIntosh
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E
Health Economics and Health Services Research Units, Department of Public Health, Aberdeen, Alberta, Scotland.
Donaldson
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C
Grant
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A
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence