Economic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the economic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) with those of open surgery (OS) for colorectal cancer.

Methods: We compared operating room (OR) costs, OR hospital-profits, total hospital charges, and payments made for 67 consecutive patients who underwent either OS (n = 41) or LAP (n = 26) for colorectal cancer.

Results: The operating time was longer in the LAP group (P < 0.001), but the hospital stay was shorter (P < 0.001). OR costs were higher in the LAP group, which was primarily attributed to the higher costs of consumables (LAP 1441, OS 575 dollars; P < 0.001) and the longer operating time (LAP 215 min, OS 155 min; P < 0.001). Total hospital charges were also higher after LAP (LAP 5017 dollars, OS 4093 dollars; P < 0.001). Patients paid more after LAP (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in National Health Insurance Corporation payments.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is less cost-effective than OS for colorectal cancer. The higher costs of consumables and the longer operating time associated with LAP must be addressed to make LAP more cost-effective.