Laparoscopic colposuspension. Is it cost-effective?

BACKGROUND The laparoscopic approach must be shown to be cost-effective as well as safe and technically effective before being widely adopted. A review of 54 consecutive patients who underwent open and laparoscopic colposuspension is presented and a cost-analysis is performed comparing the two approaches. METHODS This study was a retrospective controlled review of patient records and accounts of in-hospital costs incurred at a private hospital. RESULTS Theater costs were significantly greater in the laparoscopic group but this was balanced by a shorter length of stay and subsequent reduced accommodation cost. There was no difference in the overall in-hospital costs between the two groups. CONCLUSION The laparoscopic surgical approach is safe and effective and by no means more expensive than the open approach. In the future, the laparoscopic approach can only become more cost efficient; techniques will improve and there will be earlier returns to work and, subsequently, greater productivity.