Ulcer surgery made less expensive. A cost-development study: 1963, 1973, and 1978.

The cost for operative treatment of duodenal ulcer disease over a 15-year period was studied by carefully measuring on a day-to-day basis each cost item separately for every individual. All prices were transformed into 1975 cost level. Statistical analysis revealed a 42% reduction in the cost for operative treatment. This decrement in cost coincided with a change from partial gastrectomy to highly selective vagotomy as the routine procedure. Further refinement of highly selective vagotomy did not result in a further cost decrement.