Cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted total hysterectomy for benign pathologies compared to laparoscopic surgery: A retrospective study with propensity score

J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2024 Nov;53(9):102821. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102821. Epub 2024 Jul 20.

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy for benign pathologies is one of the most common gynecological surgeries. In recent years, robotic surgery has become an alternative to traditional surgery, but at a higher cost.

Objective: Estimate the cost of benign robot-assisted hysterectomy for the purpose of supporting public decision-making, as well as the additional cost per major postoperative complication (ClavienDindo score ≥ 3) avoided one month after surgery robotic versus traditional laparoscopic.

Methods: Single-center retrospective study including patients operated on for benign hysterectomy at La Pitié Salpêtrière hospital between January 2016 and December 2019: 99 by robotic approach, and 86 by laparoscopic approach. Comparison of robotic surgery to laparoscopy. Calculation of a cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Use of the propensity score inverse weighting method to ensure comparability of groups.

Results: Robotic surgery has a total cost of € 6,615 at 1 month per patient compared to € 3,859 for laparoscopic surgery with an additional cost of € 377,534 per major postoperative complication avoided, longer operating time and an absence of significant difference in terms of complications and length of hospitalization.

Conclusion: In terms of cost-effectiveness, according to this study, the robot does not appear to be better than laparoscopy. In the years to come, we can expect a development of robotic surgery with rationalization of the practice, with appropriate selection of patients for robotic surgery, development of outpatient surgery and a reduction in the cost of the equipment.

Keywords: Cost; Cost effectiveness; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Robot-assisted laparoscopy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy* / economics
  • Hysterectomy* / methods
  • Laparoscopy* / economics
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Laparoscopy* / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Operative Time
  • Postoperative Complications* / economics
  • Postoperative Complications* / epidemiology
  • Propensity Score*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures* / economics
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures* / statistics & numerical data