Estudio de coste-beneficio comparando la reparación de la hernia ventral abierta y laparoscópica / Cost-benefit analysis comparing laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair

OBJETIVO: La laparoscopia ofrece importantes ventajas clínicas respecto a la técnica abierta en la reparación de las hernias de pared abdominal. Se realiza un estudio coste-beneficio con el objetivo de analizar los resultados clínicos y los costes económicos comparando la técnica abierta y la laparoscopia en la reparación de la hernia de pared anterior abdominal y así determinar el procedimiento más eficiente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de cohortes sobre 140 pacientes consecutivos con hernias ventrales, con el objetivo de evaluar el coste de ambas técnicas. Se analizan datos clínicos, morbilidad, estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones y costes. RESULTADOS: La vía laparoscópica presentó menor estancia media (p < 0,001), menor morbilidad postoperatoria y complicaciones (p < 0,001) y reducción en la tasa de reingresos. El coste del material laparoscópico fue más alto, aunque el coste total del procedimiento por paciente fue menor (2.865 Euros) vs. reparación abierta (4.125 Euros). CONCLUSIONES: La reparación laparoscópica de las hernias ventrales de pared abdominal aporta beneficios para los pacientes y presenta, además, un coste final del procedimiento sensiblemente menor, evitándose un gasto de 1.260 Euros por cada paciente intervenido por esta vía. Además de ser una técnica eficiente, la reparación laparoscópica es coste-efectiva

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is a successful treatment option offering significant advantages to patients compared with open ventral hernia repair. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to compare the clinical results and economic costs of the open and laparoscopic techniques for anterior abdominal wall hernia repair, in order to determine the more efficient procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 140 patients with primary and incisional hernia, and analyzed clinical data, morbidity, costs of surgery and hospital stay costs. RESULTS: The cost of disposable surgical supplies was higher with laparoscopic repair but reduced the average length of stay (P < .001) and patient morbidity (P < .001). The total cost of the laparoscopic procedure was, therefore, less than initially estimated, yielding a savings of 1,260 Euros per patient (2,865 Euros vs. 4,125 Euros). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with a reduced complication rate, a lower average length of stay and with lower total costs. Laparoscopic repair can save 1.260 Euros for each patient, and so this procedure should be considered a cost-effective approach

Cost-benefit analysis comparing laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is a successful treatment option offering significant advantages to patients compared with open ventral hernia repair. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to compare the clinical results and economic costs of the open and laparoscopic techniques for anterior abdominal wall hernia repair, in order to determine the more efficient procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 140 patients with primary and incisional hernia, and analyzed clinical data, morbidity, costs of surgery and hospital stay costs. RESULTS: The cost of disposable surgical supplies was higher with laparoscopic repair but reduced the average length of stay (P<.001) and patient morbidity (P<.001). The total cost of the laparoscopic procedure was, therefore, less than initially estimated, yielding a savings of 1,260€ per patient (2,865€ vs. 4,125€). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with a reduced complication rate, a lower average length of stay and with lower total costs. Laparoscopic repair can save 1.260€ for each patient, and so this procedure should be considered a cost-effective approach.

Stoppa procedure in bilateral inguinal hernia.

The Stoppa procedure is a very safe repair of bilateral inguinal hernia, but it requires a learning period to achieve optimal results. We present a study with our experience and learning curve for this technique. Two hundred and ten patients with bilateral inguinal hernia (420 hernias) were repaired with Stoppa procedure from January 1995 to December 2003 with an average age of 57.2 years (range 28-89 years), with 8 women and 202 men (96%). Emergency surgery was performed for incarcerated hernia in six cases (2.8%). The rates of recurrent hernias, concomitant disease and associated surgical techniques were similar in all the years. Operative time decreased from 100 min (1995) to 61-66 min (2001-2003). Drain remained in place in 100% (1995), and 0% (2003). Regional anaesthesia was performed in 25% (1995) and 80-90% in the last years; hospital stay decreased from 5.1 to 1.2 days (2003), and morbidity from 50% (1995) to 12-16% (P<0.0001). There were three recurrences, two in the first 30 cases (6.6%), and one in the remaining 180 (0.5%) (4-92 months follow-up). The procedure was introduced in 1995 by one surgeon, performing 100% of cases, being accepted progressively by other surgeons. The first 25-30 cases of a surgical technique are the learning curve, with the highest rate of morbidity, time, technical and operative difficulties, and long hospital stay. As a result of the first surgeon's experience, some modifications of the technique are developed and results improved.