A retrospective cohort study of intra-corporeal versus extra-corporeal anastomosis for right hemicolectomy with cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare outcomes and cost effectiveness of extra-corporeal anastomosis (ECA) versus intra-corporeal anastomosis (ICA) for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme data. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer from January 2018 to December 2022 were identified. Non-cancer diagnoses, emergency procedures or synchronous resection of other organs were excluded. Surgical characteristics, peri-operative outcomes, long-term survival and hospitalisation costs were compared. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to evaluate cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 223 patients (175 ECA, 48 ICA) were included in the analysis. Both cohorts exhibited comparable baseline patient, comorbidity, and tumour characteristics. Distribution of pathological TMN stage, tumour largest dimension, total lymph node harvest and resection margin lengths were statistically similar. ICA was associated with a longer median operative duration compared with ECA (255 min vs. 220 min, P < 0.001). There was a quicker time to gastrointestinal recovery, with a shorter median hospital stay in the ICA group (4.0 versus 5.0 days, P = 0.001). Overall complication rates were comparable. ICA was associated with a higher surgical procedure cost (£6301.57 versus £4998.52, P < 0.001), but lower costs for ward accommodation (£1679.05 versus £2420.15, P = 0.001) and treatment (£3774.55 versus £4895.14, P = 0.009), with a 4.5% reduced overall cost compared with ECA. The ICER of -£3323.58 showed ICA to be more cost effective than ECA, across a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds. CONCLUSION: ICA in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is associated with quicker post-operative recovery and may be more cost effective compared with ECA, despite increased operative costs.

Hospital-level variation in costs of elective nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: With the aging population in the United States, the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms is shifting to older ages. Given changing demographic characteristics and increasing health care expenditures, the present study evaluated the degree of center-level variation in the cost of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. METHODS: We identified all adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations for elective repair of nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the 2017 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Hierarchical mixed-effects models were used to rank hospitals based on risk-adjusted costs. The interclass coefficient was used to calculate the amount of variation attributable to hospital-level characteristics. High-cost hospitals were classified as centers in the top decile of costs. The association of high-cost hospitals status with outcomes of interest was examined. RESULTS: An estimated 62,626 patients underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and 5,011 (8.0%) were managed at high-cost hospitals. Compared with non-high-cost hospitals, high-cost hospitals were more commonly large (52.6% vs 48.3%) metropolitan (78.3% vs 66.9%) teaching centers (all P < .001). The interclass coefficient found that 28% of the observed variation in cost is attributable to hospital factors. After adjustment, high-cost hospitals were associated with increased odds of gastrointestinal (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05-1.90) and infectious (adjusted odds ratio = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.59) complications. Finally, the Elixhauser index (ß = +$2,700/unit; 95% CI, $2,500-$3,000) and open repair (ß = +$4,100; 95% CI, $3,100-$5,200) were associated with increased costs. CONCLUSION: We observed significant variation in cost attributable to center-level differences. Our findings have implications for reimbursement paradigms and the establishment of quality and cost benchmarks in the elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Association of hospital volume and operative approach with clinical and financial outcomes of elective esophagectomy in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Literature regarding the impact of esophagectomy approach on hospitalizations costs and short-term outcomes is limited. Moreover, few have examined how institutional MIS experience affects costs. We thus examined utilization trends, costs, and short-term outcomes of open and minimally invasive (MIS) esophagectomy as well as assessing the relationship between institutional MIS volume and hospitalization costs. METHODS: All adults undergoing elective esophagectomy were identified from the 2016-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Multiple regression models were used to assess approach with costs, in-hospital mortality, and major complications. Additionally, annual hospital MIS esophagectomy volume was modeled as a restricted cubic spline against costs. Institutions performing > 16 cases/year corresponding with the inflection point were categorized as high-volume hospitals (HVH). We subsequently examined the association of HVH status with costs, in-hospital mortality, and major complications in patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy. RESULTS: Of an estimated 29,116 patients meeting inclusion, 10,876 (37.4%) underwent MIS esophagectomy. MIS approaches were associated with $10,600 in increased incremental costs (95% CI 8,800-12,500), but lower odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.61-0.96) or major complications (AOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.60, 0.77). Moreover, HVH status was associated with decreased adjusted costs, as well as lower odds of postoperative complications for patients undergoing MIS operations. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide study, MIS esophagectomy was associated with increased hospitalization costs, but improved short-term outcomes. In MIS operations, cost differences were mitigated by volume, as HVH status was linked with decreased costs in the setting of decreased odds of complications. Centralization of care to HVH centers should be considered as MIS approaches are increasingly utilized.

Utilization of minimally invasive colectomy at safety-net hospitals in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Prior literature has reported inferior surgical outcomes and reduced access to minimally invasive procedures at safety-net hospitals. However, this relationship has not yet been elucidated for elective colectomy. We sought to characterize the association between safety-net hospitals and likelihood of minimally invasive resection, perioperative outcomes, and costs. METHODS: All adult (≥18 years) hospitalization records entailing elective colectomy were identified in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Centers in the top quartile of safety-net burden were considered safety-net hospitals (others: non-safety-net hospitals). Multivariable regression models were developed to assess the impact of safety-net hospitals status on key outcomes. RESULTS: Of ∼532,640 patients, 95,570 (17.9%) were treated at safety-net hospitals. The safety-net hospitals cohort was younger and more often of Black race or Hispanic ethnicity. After adjustment, care at safety-net hospitals remained independently associated with reduced odds of minimally invasive surgery (adjusted odds ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.87-0.97). The interaction between safety-net hospital status and race was significant, such that Black race remained linked with lower odds of minimally invasive surgery at safety-net hospitals (reference: White race). Additionally, safety-net hospitals was associated with greater likelihood of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.34, confidence interval 1.04-1.74) and any perioperative complication (adjusted odds ratio 1.15, confidence interval 1.08-1.22), as well as increased length of stay (ß+0.26 days, confidence interval 0.17-0.35) and costs (ß+$2,510, confidence interval 2,020-3,000). CONCLUSION: Care at safety-net hospitals was linked with lower odds of minimally invasive colectomy, as well as greater complications and costs. Black patients treated at safety-net hospitals demonstrated reduced likelihood of minimally invasive surgery, relative to White patients. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the root causes of these disparities in care.

The cost of keeping patients waiting: retrospective treatment-control study of additional healthcare utilisation for UK patients awaiting elective treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Long waiting times for elective hospital treatments are common in many countries. This study seeks to address a deficit in the literature concerning the effect of long waits on the wider consumption of healthcare resources. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective treatment-control study in a healthcare system in South West England from 15 June 2021 to 15 December 2021. We compared weekly contacts with health services of patients waiting over 18 weeks for treatment ('Treatments') and people not on a waiting list ('Controls'). Controls were matched to Treatments based on age, sex, deprivation and multimorbidity. Treatments were stratified by the clinical specialty of the awaited hospital treatment, with healthcare usage assessed over various healthcare settings. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed whether there was an increase in healthcare utilisation and bootstrap resampling was used to estimate the magnitude of any differences. RESULTS: A total of 44,616 patients were waiting over 18 weeks (the constitutional target in England) for treatment during the study period. There was an increase (p < 0.0004) in healthcare utilisation for all specialties. Patients in the Cardiothoracic Surgery specialty had the largest increase, with 17.9 [interquartile-range: 4.3, 33.8] additional contacts with secondary care and 17.3 [-1.1, 34.1] additional prescriptions per year. CONCLUSION: People waiting for treatment consume higher levels of healthcare than comparable individuals not on a waiting list. These findings are relevant for clinicians and managers in better understanding patient need and reducing harm. Results also highlight the possible 'false economy' in failing to promptly resolve long elective waits.

Major Metropolitan Area COVID-19 - Positive Patients Undergoing Emergency and Elective Orthopaedic Surgeries: A Case-matched Control Study.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected surgical management in Orthopaedics. This study explores the effect of COVID-19-positive patients on time to surgery from admission, total time spent in preoperative preparation, costs of orthopaedic care, and inpatient days in COVID-19-positive patients. The authors' case-matched study was based on the surgeon, procedure type, and patient demographics. The authors reviewed 58 cases, 23 males and 35 females. The results for the COVID-19-positive and -negative groups are time to admission (362.9; 388.4), time in preparation (127.8; 122.3), inpatient days to surgery (0.2; 0.2), and orthopaedic cost ($81,938; $86,352). With available numbers, no significant difference could be detected for inpatient days until surgery, any associated time to surgery, or orthopaedic costs for operating on COVID-19-positive patients during the pandemic. Perceived increased time and cost of care of COVID-19-positive patients were not proven in this study. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(1):014-016, 2024).

Trends in Revenue, Cost, and Contribution Margin of Patients Who Have a High Comorbidity Burden Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty From 2013 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have a high comorbidity burden (HCB), coinciding with modifications to reimbursement models over the past decade, an evaluation of the financial impact of HCB on THA over time is warranted. This study aimed to investigate trends in revenue and cost associated with THA in HCB patients. METHODS: Of 13,439 patients who had primary, elective THA between 2013 and 2021 at our institution, we retrospectively reviewed 978 patients considered to have HCB (Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 5 and American Society of Anesthesiology scores 3 or 4). We collected patient demographics, perioperative data, revenue, cost, and contribution margin (CM) of the inpatient episode. We analyzed changes as a percentage of 2013 values over time for these financial markers. Linear regression determined trend significance. The final analysis included 978 HCB patients who had complete financial data. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2021, direct costs increased significantly (P = .002), along with a nonsignificant increase in total costs (P = .056). While revenue remained steady during the study period (P = .486), the CM decreased markedly to 38.0% of 2013 values, although not statistically significant (P = .222). Rates of 90-day complications and home discharge remained steady throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing costs for HCB patients undergoing THA were not matched by an equivalent increase in revenue, leading to dwindling CMs throughout the past decade. Re-evaluation of reimbursement models for THA that account for patients' HCB may be necessary to preserve broad access to care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Handling 'carbon footprint' in orthopaedics.

INTRODUCTION: The National Health Service contributes 4%-5% of England and Wales' greenhouse gases and a quarter of all public sector waste. Between 20% and 33% of healthcare waste originates from a hospital's operating room, and up to 90% of waste is sent for costly and unneeded hazardous waste processing. The goal of this study was to quantify the amount and type of waste produced during a selection of common trauma and elective orthopaedic operations, and to calculate the carbon footprint of processing the waste. METHODS: Waste generated for both elective and trauma procedures was separated primarily into clean and contaminated, paper or plastic, and then weighed. The annual carbon footprint for each operation at each site was subsequently calculated. RESULTS: Elective procedures can generate up to 16.5kg of plastic waste per procedure. Practices such as double-draping the patient contribute to increasing the quantity of waste. Over the procedures analysed, the mean total plastic waste at the hospital sites varied from 6 to 12kg. One hospital site undertook a pilot of switching disposable gowns for reusable ones with a subsequent reduction of 66% in the carbon footprint and a cost saving of £13,483.89. CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds new light on the environmental impact of waste produced during trauma and elective orthopaedic procedures. Mitigating the environmental impact of the operating room requires a collective drive for a culture change to sustainability and social responsibility. Each clinician can have an impact upon the carbon footprint of their operating theatre.

The effect of a bundle intervention for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology procedures on same-day case cancellation rate and associated costs.

Cancellations within 24 h of planned elective surgical procedures reduce operating theatre efficiency, add unnecessary costs and negatively affect patient experience. We implemented a bundle intervention that aimed to reduce same-day case cancellations. This consisted of communication tools to improve patient engagement and new screening instruments (automated estimation of ASA physical status and case cancellation risk score plus four screening questions) to identify patients in advance (ideally before case booking) who needed comprehensive pre-operative risk stratification. We studied patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery with the otorhinolaryngology service at a single centre from April 2021 to December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression and interrupted time-series analyses were used to analyse the effects of this intervention on case cancellations within 24 h and costs. We analysed 1548 consecutive scheduled cases. Cancellation within 24 h occurred in 114 of 929 (12.3%) cases pre-intervention and 52 of 619 (8.4%) cases post-intervention. The cancellation rate decreased by 2.7% (95%CI 1.6-3.7%, p < 0.01) during the first month, followed by a monthly decrease of 0.2% (95%CI 0.1-0.4%, p < 0.01). This resulted in an estimated $150,200 (£118,755; €138,370) or 35.3% cost saving (p < 0.01). Median (IQR [range]) number of days between case scheduling and day of surgery decreased from 34 (21-61 [0-288]) pre-intervention to 31 (20-51 [1-250]) post-intervention (p < 0.01). Patient engagement via the electronic health record patient portal or text messaging increased from 75.9% at baseline to 90.8% (p < 0.01) post-intervention. The primary reason for case cancellation was patients' missed appointment on the day of surgery, which decreased from 7.2% pre-intervention to 4.5% post-intervention (p = 0.03). An anaesthetist-driven, clinical informatics-based bundle intervention decreases same-day case cancellation rate and associated costs in patients scheduled for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology surgery.

Jejum pré-operatório abreviado favorece realimentação pós-operatória com menor custo de internação hospitalar em pacientes oncológicos / Abbreviated preoperative fasting favours postoperative oral intake at lower hospital admission costs for cancer patients

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a viabilidade de abreviação do jejum em cirurgias colorretais oncológicas, bem como, o impacto no desfecho cirúrgico dos pacientes. Métodos: estudo prospectivo comparativo randomizado com pacientes submetidos à cirurgias eletivas colorretais, por câncer, no período de maio a setembro de 2017. Os pacientes foram randomizados eletronicamente em dois grupos de acordo com o jejum pré-operatório a ser adotado: convencional ou abreviado. Resultados: dos 33 pacientes incluídos, 15 seguiram o protocolo de jejum abreviado e 18 de jejum convencional. Ambos os grupos apresentaram perfis comparáveis. Nenhum paciente foi submetido a preparo mecânico do cólon. Em 69,7% dos casos, a cirurgia envolveu dissecção baixa do reto. Os procedimentos foram equivalentes em relação às variáveis intraoperatórias e complicações graves. O tempo para atingir realimentação plena foi menor para o jejum abreviado (10 versus 16 dias, p=0,001), assim como, o tempo de internação hospitalar (2 versus 4 dias, p=0,009). Os custos hospitalares foram menores no jejum abreviado (331 versus 682 reais, p<0,001). A análise univariável revelou correlação entre a realimentação plena e o jejum abreviado [HR 0,29 (IC95%: 0,12-0,68] e com a distensão abdominal [HR 0,12(IC95%: 0,01-0,94)]. Após análise multivariável, o jejum abreviado apresentou menor tempo para realimentação plena [HR 0,39(IC95%: 0,16-0,92]. Conclusão: o jejum pré-operatório abreviado favorece a recuperação metabólico-nutricional, diminuindo o tempo para realimentação plena. A implantação do protocolo de abreviação do jejum reduz custos de internação hospitalar.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the feasibility of abbreviated fasting in oncologic colorectal surgeries, as well as the impact on the surgical outcome of the patients. Methods: prospective randomized comparative study with patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgeries from May to September 2017. Patients were randomized electronically into two groups according to the preoperative fast to be adopted: conventional or abbreviated. Results: of the 33 patients included, 15 followed the abbreviated fasting protocol and 18 the conventional fasting. Both groups had comparable profiles. No patient underwent mechanical preparation of the colon. In 69.7% of the cases, surgery involved low rectal dissection. The procedures were equivalent in relation to intraoperative variables and severe complications. The time to achieve complete oral intake was shorter for abbreviated fasting (10 versus 16 days, p=0.001), as well as the length of inhospital stay (2 versus 4 days, p=0.009). Hospital costs were lower in the abbreviated fasting (331 versus 682 reais, p<0.001). The univariable analysis revealed a correlation between complete oral intake and abbreviated fasting [HR 0.29 (IC95%: 0.12-0.68] and abdominal distension [HR 0.12 (IC95% 0.01-0.94)]. After multivariable analysis, abbreviated fasting presented a lower time for complete oral intake [HR 0.39 (IC95%: 0.16-0.92]. Conclusion: the abbreviated preoperative fasting favors the metabolic-nutritional recovery, reducing the time for complete oral intake. The implementation of the abbreviation protocol reduces hospital admission costs.

Análise de custo-efetividade do parto vaginal espontâneo e da cesariana eletiva para gestantes de risco habitual no Sistema Único de Saúde / Cost-effectiveness analysis of spontaneous vaginal delivery and elective cesarean for normal risk pregnant women in the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Análisis de costo-efectividad del parto vaginal espontáneo y la cesárea electiva para gestantes de riesgo habitual en el Sistema Único de Salud

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise de custo-efetividade do parto vaginal espontâneo comparado à cesariana eletiva, sem indicação clínica, para gestantes de risco habitual, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Um modelo de decisão analítico foi desenvolvido e incluiu a escolha do tipo de parto e consequências clínicas para mãe e recém-nascido, da internação para o parto até a alta hospitalar. A população de referência foi gestantes de risco habitual, feto único, cefálico, a termo, subdivididas em primíparas e multíparas com uma cicatriz uterina prévia. Os dados de custos foram obtidos de três maternidades públicas, duas situadas no Rio de Janeiro e uma em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram identificados custos diretos com recursos humanos, insumos hospitalares, custos de capital e administrativos. As medidas de efetividade foram identificadas com base na literatura científica. O estudo evidenciou que o parto vaginal é mais eficiente para gestantes primíparas, com menor custo (R$ 1.709,58) que a cesariana (R$ 2.245,86) e melhor efetividade para três dos quatro desfechos avaliados. Para multíparas, com uma cicatriz uterina prévia, a cesariana de repetição foi custo-efetiva para os desfechos morbidade materna evitada, ruptura uterina evitada, internação em UTI neonatal evitada e óbito neonatal evitado, mas o resultado não foi suportado pela análise de sensibilidade probabilística. Para o desfecho óbito materno não houve diferença de efetividade e o trabalho de parto se mostrou com o menor custo. Este estudo pode contribuir para a gestão da atenção perinatal, ampliando medidas que estimulem o parto adequado de acordo com as características da população.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of spontaneous vaginal delivery and elective cesarean (with no clinical indication) for normal risk pregnant women, from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. An analytical decision model was developed and included the choice of delivery mode and clinical consequences for mothers and newborns, from admission for delivery to hospital discharge. The reference population consisted of normal risk pregnant women with singleton, at-term gestations in cephalic position, subdivided into primiparas and multiparas with prior uterine scar. Cost data were obtained from three public maternity hospitals (two in Rio de Janeiro, one in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil). Direct costs were identified with human resources, hospital inputs, and capital and administrative costs. Effectiveness measures were identified, based on the scientific literature. The study showed that vaginal delivery was more efficient for primiparas, at lower cost (BRL 1,709.58; USD 518.05) than cesarean (BRL 2,245.86; USD 680.56) and greater effectiveness for three of the four target outcomes. For multiparas with prior uterine scar, repeat cesarean was cost-effective for the outcomes averted maternal morbidity, averted uterine rupture, averted neonatal ICU, and averted neonatal death, but the result was not supported by probabilistic sensitivity analysis. For maternal death as the outcome, there was no difference in effectiveness, and labor showed the lowest cost. This study can contribute to the management of perinatal care, expanding measures that encourage adequate delivery according to the population's characteristics.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis de costo-efectividad del parto vaginal espontáneo, comparado con la cesárea electiva, sin indicación clínica, para gestantes de riesgo habitual, bajo la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Un modelo de decisión analítico se desarrolló e incluyó la elección del tipo de parto y consecuencias clínicas para la madre y recién nacido, desde el internamiento para el parto hasta el alta hospitalaria. La población de referencia fueron gestantes de riesgo habitual, feto único, cefálico, a término, subdivididas en primíparas y multíparas, con una cicatriz uterina previa. Los datos de costos se obtuvieron de tres maternidades públicas, dos situadas en Río de Janeiro y una en Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Se identificaron costos directos con recursos humanos, insumos hospitalarios, costos de capital y administrativos. Las medidas de efectividad se identificaron en base a la literatura científica. El estudio evidenció que el parto vaginal es más eficiente para gestantes primíparas, con un menor costo (BRL 1.709,58) que la cesárea (BRL 2.245,86) y mejor efectividad para tres de los cuatro desenlaces evaluados. Para multíparas, con una cicatriz uterina previa, la cesárea de repetición fue costo-efectiva para los desenlaces de morbilidad materna evitada, rotura uterina evitada, internamiento en UTI neonatal evitado y óbito neonatal evitado, pero el resultado no fue apoyado por el análisis de sensibilidad probabilístico. Para el desenlace óbito materno no hubo diferencia de efectividad y el trabajo de parto se mostró con el menor coste. Este estudio puede contribuir a la gestión de la atención perinatal, ampliando medidas que estimulen el parto apropiado, de acuerdo con las características de la población.

Effectiveness of preoperative decolonization with nasal povidone iodine in Chinese patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery: a prospective cross-sectional study

Staphylococcus aureus colonization in the nares of patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery increases the potential risk of surgical site infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has gained recognition as a pathogen that is no longer only just a hospital-acquired pathogen. Patients positive for MRSA are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality following infection. MRSA is commonly found in the nares, and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) is even more prevalent. Recently, studies have determined that screening for this pathogen prior to surgery and diminishing staphylococcal infections at the surgical site will dramatically reduce surgical site infections. A nasal mupirocin treatment is shown to significantly reduce the colonization of the pathogen. However, this treatment is expensive and is currently not available in China. Thus, in this study, we first sought to determine the prevalence of MSSA/MSRA in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery in northern China, and then, we treated the positive patients with a nasal povidone-iodine swab. Here, we demonstrate a successful reduction in the colonization of S. aureus. We propose that this treatment could serve as a cost-effective means of eradicating this pathogen in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery, which might reduce the rate of surgical site infections.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery cost coverage by the brazilian unified health system (SUS)

Abstract Introduction: Cost management has been identified as an essential tool for the general control and evaluation of health organizations. Objectives: To identify the coverage percentage of transferred funds from the Unified Health System for coronary artery bypass grafts in a philanthropic hospital having a consolidated costing system in the municipality of São Paulo. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research with information provided from a database composed of 1913 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft from March 13 to September 30, 2012, including isolated elective coronary artery bypass graft with the use of extracorporeal circulation. It excluded 551 (28.8%) patients, among them 76 (4.0%) deaths and 8 hospitalized patients, since the cost was compared according to the length of hospital stay. Therefore, the sample consisted of 1362 patients. Results: The average total cost per patient was $7,992.55. The average fund transfer by the Unified Health System was $3,450.73 (48.66%), resulting in a deficit of $4,541.82 (51.34%). Conclusion: The Unified Health System transfers covered 48.66% of the average total cost of hospitalization. Although the amount transferred increased with increasing costs, it was not proportional to the total cost, resulting in a percentage difference in revenue that was increasingly negative for each increase in cost and hospital stay. Those hospitalized for longer than seven days presented higher costs, older age, higher percentage of diabetics and chronic kidney disease patients and more postoperative complications.

Total cost of hospitalization of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy related to nutritional status / Custo total de internação de pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica eletiva relacionado ao estado nutricional

ABSTRACT Background: In the Western world, the population developed an overweight profile. The morbidly obese generate higher cost to the health system. However, there is a gap in this approach with regard to individuals above the eutrofic pattern, who are not considered as morbidly obese. Aim: To correlate nutritional status according to BMI with the costs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a public hospital. Method: Data were collected from medical records about: nutritional risk assessment, nutricional state and hospital cost in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: Were enrolled 814 procedures. Average age was 39.15 (±12.16) years; 47 subjects (78.3%) were women. The cost was on average R$ 6,167.32 (±1830.85) to 4.06 (±2.76) days of hospitalization; 41 (68.4%) presented some degree of overweight; mean BMI was 28.07 (±5.41) kg/m²; six (10%) individuals presented nutritional risk ≥3. There was a weak correlation (r=0.2) and not significant (p <0.08) between the cost of hospitalization of the sample and length of stay; however, in individuals with normal BMI, the correlation was strong (r=0,57) and significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: Overweight showed no correlation between cost and length of stay. However, overweight individuals had higher cost of hospitalization than those who had no complications, but with no correlation with nutritional status. Compared to those with normal BMI, there was a strong and statistically significant correlation with the cost of hospital stay, stressing that there is normal distribution involving adequate nutritional status and success of the surgical procedure with the consequent impact on the cost of hospitalization.

RESUMO Racional: No mundo ocidental, a população desenvolveu um perfil de excesso de peso corporal. Os obesos mórbidos geram custo mais alto para o sistema de saúde. Entretanto, observa-se um hiato no tocante aos indivíduos acima do eutrofismo, mas não considerados obesos mórbidos. Objetivo: Correlacionar estado nutricional, segundo o IMC, com custo de internação de colecistectomias videolaparoscópicas. Método: Coleta de dados dos prontuários sobre: avaliação de risco nutricional, estado nutricional e custo de internação de pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica eletiva no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2014. Resultados: Foram analisados 814 procedimentos. A idade média foi de 39,15 (±12,16) anos; 47 (78,3%) eram mulheres. O custo de internação foi, em média, de R$ 6.167,32 (±1.830,85) para 4,06 (±2,76) dias de internação. Quarenta e um (68,4%) pacientes apresentavam algum grau de sobrepeso; o IMC médio foi 28,07 (±5,41) kg/m²; seis (10%) indivíduos apresentavam risco nutricional ≥3. Houve correlação fraca (r=0,2) e não significativa (p<0,08) entre o custo de hospitalização e o tempo de permanência. No entanto, em indivíduos com IMC normal, a correlação foi forte (r=0,57) e significante (p<0,01). Conclusão: Sobrepeso não demonstrou correlação entre custo e tempo de internação. Entretanto, os indivíduos com sobrepeso apresentaram custo maior de internação em relação aos que não tiveram intercorrência, mas sem correlação com o estado nutricional. Em relação aos com IMC normal, houve correlação forte e estatisticamente significante com o custo para tempo de internação, reforçando que há provável distribuição normal envolvendo estado nutricional adequado e sucesso do procedimento cirúrgico com consequente impacto no custo de internação.

Custos hospitalares da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio em pacientes coronarianos eletivos / Hospital costs of coronary artery bypass grafting on elective coronary patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os custos hospitalares da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio em pacientes coronarianos eletivos e relacioná-los com o número de enxertos realizados. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo prospectivo, realizado no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, nos meses de abril, maio e junho de 2005, em pacientes coronarianos de ambos os sexos, de qualquer idade. Foram excluídos os pacientes atendidos na emergência, os que tinham outras alterações cardíacas associadas e os casos de reoperação. Foram elaborados formulários apropriados para a fase inicial de internação no pré-operatório, para o centro cirúrgico, para o pós-operatório imediato e para a fase de internação final na enfermaria. RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado em 103 pacientes, com o custo médio total de R$ 6.990,30, com um mínimo de R$ 5.438,69, um máximo de R$ 11.778,96, desvio padrão de R$ 1.035,47 e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento de R$ 6.790,33-R$ 7.190,27, correspondendo, em dólares, a média de US$ 2.784,98, mínimo de US$ 2.166,81, máximo de US$ 4.692,81, desvio padrão de US$ 412,54 e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento de US$ 2.705,31-US$ 2.864,67. O custo médio total para a cirurgia de três a cinco pontes foi maior (R$ 7.148,05) que para a cirurgia de uma a duas pontes (R$ 6.659,29) e a diferença foi significante (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os maiores custos médios foram no centro cirúrgico (R$ 4.627,97) e no pós-operatório imediato (R$ 1.221,39), seguidos pela enfermaria depois do pós-operatório imediato (R$ 840,04) e pela enfermaria inicial de pré-operatório (R$ 300,90).

OBJECTIVE: To assess hospital costs associated with coronary artery bypass grafting performed on elective coronary patients, and the relation of costs with the number of grafts. METHODS: Descriptive prospective study carried out at Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia in April, May and June of 2005. Coronary patients of different ages and both genders were included. Emergency patients, patients with other associated heart conditions and reoperation cases were excluded. Appropriate forms for the operating room, early postoperative period and for the final period in the ward were developed for the initial hospitalization phase preoperatively. RESULTS: The procedure was performed on 103 patients, at an average cost of R$6,990.00 (US$2,784.98), at a minimum of R$5,438.69 (US$2,166.81), and maximum of R$11,778.96 (US$4,692.81); standard deviation was R$1,035.47 (US$412.54) and the confidence interval was 95 percent, ranging from R$6,790.33 - R$7,190.27 (US$2,705.31 - US$2,864.67). The total average cost for three to five bypass grafts was higher (R$7,148.05) than for one and two bypass grafts (R$6,659.29) and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The highest average costs were in the operating room (R$4,627.97), and in the early postoperative period (R$1,221.39), followed by costs incurred in the ward after the early postoperative period (R$840.04) and by the initial preoperative period in the ward (R$300.90).

¿La sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por enfermedad diverticular es costo efectiva? / Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis: is cost effectiveness?

Antecedentes: Muchos autores han demostrado ya claros beneficios cuando se aplica la laparoscopía en el tratamiento de las enfermedades del colon. Sin embargo, parte de la efectividad de un método depende del análisis de sus costos. Objetivos: Analizar el costo beneficio de la laparoscopía aplicada en forma selectiva, en el tratamiento de pacientes con sigmoiditis diverticular, realizada por cirujanos entrenados. Lugar: Hospital de referencia. Material y métodos: Entre octubre de 2000 y diciembre de 2002 se estudiaron en forma prospectiva a 42 pacientes sometidos a una sigmoidectomía laparoscópica (grupo L) electiva por enfermedad diverticular. Fueron excluidos los procedimientos realizados por otras patologías, las cirugías de urgencia y aquellos casos donde no se pudo recolectar la información de los costos. Los datos del grupo L fueron comparados con una serie apareada de 22 pacientes operados por vía convencional (grupo C). La serie laparoscópica fue dividida en dos mitades: grupo L1 (octubre 2000 a diciembre 2001) y grupo L2 (enero a diciembre 2002) para analizar la variación atribuible a la curva de aprendizaje. Resultados: No existieron diferencias significativas en cuanto sexo, número de episodios previos, ni enfermedad complicada entre ambos grupos. El índice de conversión fue de 6 pacientes (10,1 por ciento). El grupo L tuvo una recuperación significativamente más rápida que el grupo C. Cuando se analizaron los costos en forma discriminada se observó que existió una reducción significativa en días de pensión y medicamentos a favor de la cirugía laparoscópica. Lo opuesto ocurrió con el gasto de materiales descartables. Esta diferencia entre un grupo y el otro determinó que en el balance total no existiesen diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (Grupo C: $7.984 ± 3.958,2 vs grupo L: $7.909 ± 2.130,5; p=NS). Existió una reducción significativa de los costos entre el grupo L1 y L2 (9.527 ± 1.710,01 vs 6.438 ± 1.200,6; p < 0,0001). Al comparar el grupo C con el L2 se observó que en esta etapa la cirugía laparoscópica resultó aún menos costosa que la cirugía convencional (7.984 ± 3.958,2 vs 6.438 ± 1.206,6; p=NS). Conclusiones: La cirugía laparoscópica para el tratamiento de la enfermedad diverticular es costo efectiva. Los costos del método laparoscópico son equiparables a los de la cirugía convencional