Laparoscopic versus open liver segmentectomy: prospective, case-matched, intention-to-treat analysis of clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness

Francesco M. Polignano, Aaron J. Quyn, Rodrigo S. M. De Figueiredo, Nikola A. Henderson, Christoph Kulli, Iain S. Tait

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    143 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Introduction Reduction in hospital stay, blood loss, postoperative pain and complications are common findings after laparoscopic liver resection, suggesting that the laparoscopic approach may be a suitable alternative to open surgery. Some concerns have been raised regarding cost effectiveness of this procedure and potential implications of its large-scale application. Our aim has been to determine cost effectiveness of laparoscopic liver surgery by a case-matched, case-control, intention-to-treat analysis of its costs and short-term clinical outcomes compared with open surgery.

    Methods Laparoscopic liver segmentectomies and bisegmentectomies performed at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School between 2005 and 2007 were considered. Resections involving more than two Couinaud segments, or involving any synchronous procedure, were excluded. An operation-magnitude-matched control group was identified amongst open liver resections performed between 2004 and 2007. Hospital costs were obtained from the Scottish Health Service Costs Book (ISD Scotland) and average national costs were calculated. Cost of theatre time, disposable surgical devices, hospital stay, and high-dependency unit (HDU) and intensive care unit (ICU) usage were the main endpoints for comparison. Secondary endpoints were morbidity and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, chi(2) and Fisher exact test as most appropriate.

    Results Twenty-five laparoscopic liver resections were considered, including atypical resection, segmentectomy and bisegmentectomy, and they were compared to 25 matching open resections. The two groups were homogeneous by age, sex, coexistent morbidity, magnitude of resection, prevalence of liver cirrhosis and indications. Operative time (p < 0.03), blood loss (p < 0.0001), Pringle manoeuvre (p < 0.03), hospital stay (p < 0.003) and postoperative complications (p < 0.002) were significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group. Overall hospital cost was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group by an average of 2,571 pound (p < 0.04).

    Conclusions Laparoscopic liver segmentectomy and bisegmentectomy are feasible, safe and cost effective compared to similar open resections. Large-scale application of laparoscopic liver surgery could translate into significant savings to hospitals and health care programmes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2564-2570
    Number of pages7
    JournalSurgical Endoscopy
    Volume22
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2008

    Keywords

    • Cancer
    • Hepato Cancer
    • Costs Technical
    • Surgical Technical
    • Hepato (Liver)
    • ENHANCED RECOVERY PROGRAM
    • HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA
    • COLORECTAL SURGERY
    • BENEFIT-ANALYSIS
    • SHORT-TERM
    • RESECTION
    • CANCER
    • TRIAL
    • DISEASE
    • BENIGN

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