Economic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer in Korea

Surg Today. 2007;37(2):127-32. doi: 10.1007/s00595-006-3356-9. Epub 2007 Jan 25.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the economic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) with those of open surgery (OS) for colorectal cancer.

Methods: We compared operating room (OR) costs, OR hospital-profits, total hospital charges, and payments made for 67 consecutive patients who underwent either OS (n = 41) or LAP (n = 26) for colorectal cancer.

Results: The operating time was longer in the LAP group (P < 0.001), but the hospital stay was shorter (P < 0.001). OR costs were higher in the LAP group, which was primarily attributed to the higher costs of consumables (LAP 1441, OS 575 dollars; P < 0.001) and the longer operating time (LAP 215 min, OS 155 min; P < 0.001). Total hospital charges were also higher after LAP (LAP 5017 dollars, OS 4093 dollars; P < 0.001). Patients paid more after LAP (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in National Health Insurance Corporation payments.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is less cost-effective than OS for colorectal cancer. The higher costs of consumables and the longer operating time associated with LAP must be addressed to make LAP more cost-effective.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / economics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Hospital Charges / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Korea
  • Laparoscopy / economics*
  • Laparotomy / economics*
  • Length of Stay / economics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Operating Rooms / economics
  • Retrospective Studies