Abdominal Surgery: Complications and Costs (16-Dec-2003)

Cost of Colic Surgery (USA) The cost of colic surgery in the USA varies considerably between clinics, probably for reasons related to wealth of the clientele and value of horses in the practice area. Colic surgery in most clinics is the second most expensive surgery after repair of long bone fracture, and for good reason. It places enormous demands on personnel, time and resources, and is a life-saving procedure. Although costs of surgery and anesthesia can be standardized to some extent, the cost of aftercare is less predictable and can be altered considerably by development of complications. Complications increase cost through increased nursing care, technician salaries, prolonged treatment with antibiotic and other drugs, repeated laboratory analyses, and high-volume fluid therapy. Additional surgery, such as repeat celiotomy or repair of incisional complications, increases the cost considerably. Because none of these can be anticipated in most cases, a critical part of case management is complete discussion of expected and unexpected costs with the client. Clients need to understand that investment of money far in excess of the horse’s worth does not ensure a successful outcome from colic surgery, once difficult complications develop.