Cost-effectiveness analysis of O-Ring wound retractor in elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a feared complication following colorectal surgery and have a sizeable economic impact on the healthcare system. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of O-Ring wound protector/retractor in elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from a retrospective colorectal database from January 2015 to June 2018. SSI was defined according to the criteria published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). An economic evaluation was conducted comparing the group in which Alexis® device was used during surgery (Group A) with a control group (Group B) in which Alexis® device was not used.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled in our study. Among them, the intervention group (Group A, 154 patients) was compared with the control group (Group B, 94 patients). A total of 8 (5.2%) and 14 (15%) patients with SSIs were identified in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.008). The economic evaluation showed that there was no difference in terms of costs and returns on comparing both groups.

CONCLUSION

The final costs and profit are similar in both groups, but the use of O-Ring protector reduces SSI rates and may significantly improve patient's quality of life.

KEY WORDS

Colorectal surgery, Cost-effectiveness, Surgical site infection, Length of stay, Wound protector/retractor.