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

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.