Cost effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open mesh hernia operation: results of a Department of Veterans Affairs randomized clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Evidence comparing laparoscopic versus open hernia repair has varied with time and with changes in techniques used. Cost effectiveness is an important consideration when evidence for predominance of one surgical technique is lacking. Current cost estimates of hernia repair are not available.


METHODS
This study is a cost effectiveness analysis within a randomized controlled trial comparing open (OPEN) versus laparoscopic (LAP) hernia repair using mesh at 14 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, with 2-year followup for each patient. Between January 1999 and November 2001, 2,164 men with inguinal hernia were randomized and 1,983 had an operation; 1,395 patients (708 OPEN and 687 LAP) with outpatient hernia operations were included in the cost effectiveness analysis. Outcomes included surgical and postoperative costs, quality adjusted life years (QALY), and incremental cost per QALY gained or the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER).


RESULTS
Over 2 years, LAP cost an average of $638 more than OPEN. QALYs at 2 years were similar, resulting in $45,899 per QALY gained (95% CI: -$669,045, $722,457). The probability that LAP is cost effective at the $50,000 per QALY level (slightly more costly but more effective), was 51%. For unilateral primary and unilateral recurrent hernia repair, the probabilities that LAP is cost effective at the $50,000 per QALY level were 64% and 81%, respectively. For bilateral hernia repair, OPEN was less costly and more effective.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, laparoscopic hernia repair is not cost effective compared with open repair. For patients with unilateral (primary or recurrent) hernia, laparoscopic repair is a cost effective treatment option.
Hynes
Denise M
DM
Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Midwest Center for Health Services and Policy Research, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, PO Box 5000 (151-V), 5th Avenue and Roosevelt Road, Hines, IL 60141, USA.
Stroupe
Kevin T
KT
Luo
Ping
P
Giobbie-Hurder
Anita
A
Reda
Domenic
D
Kraft
Margaret
M
Itani
Kamal
K
Fitzgibbons
Robert
R
Jonasson
Olga
O
Neumayer
Leigh
L
D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006547:Hernia / Q000191:economics; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000191:economics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome