Economic analysis of the use of video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in the surgical setting

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> Compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL), video laryngoscopy (VL) offers clinical benefits in routine and difficult airways. The health economic benefit of VL versus DL for routine tracheal intubation remains unknown. <b>Materials & methods:</b> This analysis compared VL and DL health economic outcomes, including total inpatient costs, length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission and incidence of procedurally associated complications. <b>Results:</b> Patients with VL had decreased inpatient cost (US$1144-5891 across eight major diagnostic categories [MDC]); >1-day LOS reduction in five MDC; reduced odds for postoperative ICU admission (0.04-0.68) and reduced odds of respiratory complications in three MDC (0.43-0.90). <b>Conclusion:</b> Video laryngoscopy may lower total costs, reduce LOS and decrease the likelihood of postoperative ICU admission.