BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - In addition to oncologic and quality of life outcomes, cost effectiveness is important to all institutions.

A total of 452 men were treated for localized CaP; RRP (197), RPP (60), LRP (137), and CAP (58). Clinical, pathologic and all cost parameters were studied. Costs included surgical, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, supplies, etc.

Patients undergoing CAP were significantly older than the other groups and had a median American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3, compared to a median score of 2 in other groups. The median length of hospital stay was significantly lower (0 days) in the CAP group compared to 3 days in the RRP group, 2 days in the RPP group, and 2 days in the LRP group. The direct median surgical costs were less for RRP ($2,322), and RPP ($2,483) compared to LRP ($3,352) and CAP ($6,153). However, the total hospital cost differences were less for the CAP group ($8,796), and LRP ($9,343) compared to RRP ($9,724) and RPP ($9,251). Part of this is attributable to the fact that there are no associated pathology costs for cryoablation. Two men who underwent CAP met the criteria for PSA recurrence (3.4%) compared to 9.6%, 10.4% and 8.6% in the RRP, RPP, and LRP groups, respectively.

Lower length of hospital stay, transfusions, and laboratory costs account for the cost benefits of minimally invasive procedures.

Mouraviev V, Nosnik I, Sun L, Robertson CN, Walther P, Albala D, Moul JW, Polascik TJ

Urology 2007; 69(2):311-14.

UroToday.com Laproscopic and Robotic Section

UroToday.com Surgical Interventions Library

UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section

Written by Christopher P. Evans, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

Please log-in or register in order to submit comments.

Powered by AkoComment!