[Total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Cost analysis].
BACKGROUND
Hysterectomy performed totally by laparoscopy is still one of the most advanced procedure in endoscopic gynecological surgery. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the cost and the hospital charges of total laparoscopic hysterectomy as compared with those for total abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy.


METHODS
In particular, as far as laparoscopic technique is concerned, the cost of linear staplers have been analyzed as compared to disposable and non-disposable instruments for bipolar coagulation.


RESULTS
After analysing the data, it has been found that the use of linear staplers involves very high median costs of Lire 2,932,304 ($ 1,650) versus the use of non-disposable instruments of Lire 936,488 ($ 526). The median total hospital charges was of Lire 6,014,448 ($ 3,380) for abdominal hysterectomy, of Lire 4,449,617 ($ 2,500) for vaginal hysterectomy and of Lire 4,078,000 ($ 2,291) for laparoscopic technique with non-disposable supplies.


CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm, on the one hand, that bipolar coagulation is a reliable method of hemostasis, and on the other hand that laparoscopic surgery is a technique that can be recommended as an alternative to laparotomy for hysterectomy with unquestionable benefits both for patients and hospital.
Pittino
M
M
Unità Operativa di Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Azienda per i Servizi Sanitari n. 4 Medio Friuli, San Daniele del Friuli, Udine.
Facchin
S
S
Rossi
A
A
Zompicchiatti
C
C
Del Frate
G
G
Zoletto
M
M
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal; D007558:Italy; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics*