title: How much do we pay for caesarean section--a pilot study in Serbia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different types of labour need different resources. Subsequently, different costs should be expected.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to determine costs of planned Caesarean section (C-section) in relation to costs of spontaneous (SVD) and induced vaginal (IVD) delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study was conducted for the period January 1st-December 31st, 2010. Database of Health Insurance Fund of Republic of Serbia was used as a data source. Direct medical costs of labor were estimated for mother/newborn pair.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample was consisted of 99 women where 46.5% had SVD, 28.3% IVD and 25.2% C-section. The average costs of labor, regardless of method, were 417.02+284.14 EUR. Costs of C-section were higher compare to SVD (640.18 +/- 240.04 vs. 243.27 +/- 131.70 EUR, p < 0.05) and IVD (640.18 +/- 240.04 vs. 497.10 +/- 327.91 EUR, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering high costs of C-section, it is necessary to review such clinical practice for the purpose of optimizing the use of resources.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Odalović
authors.forename: Dragana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lakić
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tadić
authors.forename: Ljiljana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tasić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D007902:Length of Stay; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055771:Serbia