AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the specific cost components in two similar groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder at our Institution. METHODS: Between November 2000 and July 2004, 20 men with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent laparoscopic (group 1) or open (group 2) radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder. We evaluated the costs of hospital stay, surgical consumables and operating room occupation. At our Institution one day of hospital stay costs Euro 625 while one hour of operating room costs Euro 520 (professional fees included). RESULTS: Hospital stay and operating room occupation in group 1 and 2 were statistically different (respectively 395.5 versus 275 min and 10.5 versus 18.9 days). Surgical consumables cost Euro 637 for patients in group 1 versus Euro 270 for patients in group 2. With the considered issues, at our Institution laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy costs Euro 10,626 whereas open radical cystoprostatectomy costs Euro 14,465. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy seems associated with a shorter hospital stay and with a reduction of costs if compared to the open approach.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the specific cost components in two similar groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder at our Institution. METHODS: Between November 2000 and July 2004, 20 men with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent laparoscopic (group 1) or open (group 2) radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder. We evaluated the costs of hospital stay, surgical consumables and operating room occupation. At our Institution one day of hospital stay costs Euro 625 while one hour of operating room costs Euro 520 (professional fees included). RESULTS: Hospital stay and operating room occupation in group 1 and 2 were statistically different (respectively 395.5 versus 275 min and 10.5 versus 18.9 days). Surgical consumables cost Euro 637 for patients in group 1 versus Euro 270 for patients in group 2. With the considered issues, at our Institution laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy costs Euro 10,626 whereas open radical cystoprostatectomy costs Euro 14,465. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy seems associated with a shorter hospital stay and with a reduction of costs if compared to the open approach.