Healthcare and Indirect Cost of the Laparoscopic vs. Vaginal Approach in Benign Hysterectomy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze indirect costs of vaginal and laparoscopic routes for hysterectomy to determine whether this makes a difference in total costs when considering route for surgery.Methods: A five-year observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in an academic tertiary care center. A total of 517 patients scheduled for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 137) and vaginal hysterectomy (n = 380) for benign conditions between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed.Results: Indirect costs were higher in the vaginal hysterectomy group compared to the laparoscopic hysterectomy group (mean cost e3,239.86 vs. e1,371.58; cost increase of e1,868.28; p < .001). Indirect costs due to lostwork-productivity were the most important, represented by 97.7% in the vaginal group and 93.6% in the laparoscopic group.Conclusion: Among women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease, laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to be superior to vaginal hysterectomy when indirect costs are analyzed in a five-year temporal horizon. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a good alternative to vaginal hysterectomy when technically feasible as both present comparable advantages. The surgical approach to hysterectomy should be decided in light of the relative benefits and hazards, which will depend on clinical circumstances and surgical expertise.

Comparison of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with vaginal reconstructive procedures and abdominal sacrocolpopexy for the surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…However, our study showed that was not the case, as blood loss showed lower values in the LSCP group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. It is plausible that reduced blood loss in case of laparoscopic procedures can be attributed to better visualisation, easier tissue manipulation and access ( 34 , 35 ). Furthermore, the choice of anaesthesia may potentially influence blood loss outcomes.…”