S R Kovac1. 1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, GA, Atlanta 30303, USA. pelvicsurg@aol.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine if the use of formal guidelines in selecting the route of hysterectomy would improve medical and economic outcomes. METHOD: Data from 4595 hysterectomies performed at a single center in women whose primary diagnosis were unrelated to invasive cancer or pregnancy were analyzed in terms of mean, uterine weight, costs, length of stay, and complications. RESULTS: When formal guidelines were used to determine the route of hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 90% of the patients treated and in 100% of the patients in whom the pathology was confined to the uterus. In comparison, when formal guidelines were not incorporated in the decision-making process, vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 42% of the patients treated and in 64% of the patients in whom the pathology was confined to the uterus. CONCLUSIONS: Using these or similar guidelines to assist in clinical decision making would have resulted in a potential savings of US$1184000 for every 1000 hysterectomies performed at the institution where this study was undertaken and would have freed up 1020 patient-bed days and reduced complications by approximately 20%.
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine if the use of formal guidelines in selecting the route of hysterectomy would improve medical and economic outcomes. METHOD: Data from 4595 hysterectomies performed at a single center in women whose primary diagnosis were unrelated to invasive cancer or pregnancy were analyzed in terms of mean, uterine weight, costs, length of stay, and complications. RESULTS: When formal guidelines were used to determine the route of hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 90% of the patients treated and in 100% of the patients in whom the pathology was confined to the uterus. In comparison, when formal guidelines were not incorporated in the decision-making process, vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 42% of the patients treated and in 64% of the patients in whom the pathology was confined to the uterus. CONCLUSIONS: Using these or similar guidelines to assist in clinical decision making would have resulted in a potential savings of US$1184000 for every 1000 hysterectomies performed at the institution where this study was undertaken and would have freed up 1020 patient-bed days and reduced complications by approximately 20%.
Authors: Mohamed El Alili; Johanna M van Dongen; Judith A F Huirne; Maurits W van Tulder; Judith E Bosmans Journal: Pharmacoeconomics Date: 2017-10 Impact factor: 4.981