A protocol of early spiral computed tomography for the detection of stones in patients with renal colic has reduced the time to diagnosis and overall management costs.
BACKGROUND
The recent use of spiral computed tomography (CT) without contrast for the diagnosis of acute flank pain has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific for the detection of urolithiasis. This method has not, however, been evaluated for its contribution to savings in management costs. The present study aims to evaluate the cost savings gained by instituting a protocol of early spiral CT to investigate these patients.


METHODS
The records of 200 patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) with acute flank pain during two periods were retrospectively reviewed. The first period was before the spiral CT protocol was instituted and the second was after. Cost analyses between the two periods were performed.


RESULTS
After the spiral CT protocol, 72 versus 31 patients had a definitive diagnosis prior to discharge from hospital. The time taken to diagnosis was also significantly shorter after the protocol implementation (6.3 vs. 16.8 h). This resulted in a shorter time spent in the A&E, and hence bed cost savings. Radiological costs were reduced by 22%, but the major cost saving was made by a reduction in time spent in A&E (44%).


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of a protocol of early spiral CT for patients with suspected renal colic has led to earlier definitive diagnosis and shorter hospital stays. This is associated with a significant reduction in costs associated with managing this condition.
Patel
M
M
Department of Urology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. patel@rivernet.com.au
Han
S S
SS
Vaux
K
K
Saalfeld
J
J
Alexander
J H
JH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003085:Colic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics*; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*