Hospital cost comparison between abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomies

Abstract

The cost savings expected with the advent of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy when performed with the linear stapler have not been realized at present. In most cost categories studied, the use of laparoscopy to perform a hysterectomy was associated with much higher costs. The predicted savings associated with the shorter hospital stay in these patients failed to offset the exorbitant intraoperative costs. However, when bipolar electrocoagulation with the CO2 laser and reusable instruments replace staplers and disposables, respectively, the projected savings are appreciated.