Surgical efficiency in bilateral cochlear implantation: a cost analysis.
OBJECTIVE
(1) Compare the non-device-related costs of bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation (BSiCI) vs. unilateral, and (2) establish a dollar amount for potential cost savings in direct costs for BSiCI vs. sequential cochlear implantation (CI).


METHODS
Data from all CI cases performed during the fiscal year 2010-2011 were retrospectively reviewed without exception. Fifty-four patients received unilateral CI and 36 received BSiCI. Demographics and data regarding direct costs associated with the operation and immediate in hospital post-operative period were collected.


RESULTS
The total operating room (OR) time for unilateral and BSiCI was 3 hours 00 minutes and 4 hours 37 minutes, respectively, with a mean difference of 1 hour and 36 minutes (SD = 0 hours:06 minutes). The cost of OR and post-anesthetic care unit supporting staff was $3102 and $4240 for unilateral and BSiCI, respectively, with a mean difference of $1138 (SD = 216). Unilateral CI supplies totaled $1348 compared to $1822 for BSiCI supplies with an average difference of $438 (SD = 123).


CONCLUSIONS
The total direct costs for a unilateral CI (excluding implantable device and surgeon fees) were $4362 compared to $5823 dollars for BSiCI. Simultaneous implantation can lead to a potential saving of $2901 compared to sequential implantation.
M
M
Merdad
N E
NE
Wolter
S L
SL
Cushing
K A
KA
Gordon
B C
BC
Papsin
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000191:economics; D017046:Cost Savings; D003638:Deafness / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Children; Cochlear implants; Cost analysis; Hearing loss; Surgical efficiency