BACKGROUND

Robotic mitral valve repair has been performed in Australia since 2004. The aim of this study was to perform a cost-analysis of robotic mitral valve repair (MVR) with direct comparison to conventional MVR surgery.

METHODS

All isolated MVRs performed within one metropolitan hospital network, between June 2005 and June 2008, were retrospectively compared. Ad hoc cost analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 107 robotic and 40 conventional MVRs performed. The post-operative degrees of mitral regurgitation were comparable. Total operating time was 18% longer in robotic compared to conventional (239 min vs. 202 min, p<0.001, 95% CI: 11-27%). In robotic, Intensive Care Unit stay was reduced by 19% (p=0.002, 37 h vs. 45 h), and length of hospital stay was reduced by 26% (p<0.001, 6.47 days vs. 8.76 days). Mean hospital cost, without including capital costs, was not significantly increased (AUD$18,503 vs. AUD$17,880 p=0.176, 95% CI: -282 to 1,530).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic mitral repair can be performed with similar immediate repair success rates as conventional surgery with a shorter recovery time, but a slightly longer operative time. There is no significant increase in cost over conventional surgery.