Cost minimization analysis of laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and total vaginal mesh

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was a cost minimization analysis of the laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) and total vaginal mesh (TVM). STUDY DESIGN: Primary clinical costs were derived from our randomized control trial comparing LSC and TVM and were compared using prices from privately- and publicly-conducted procedures. Women's opportunity cost of time were added to these estimates to produce estimates of the primary economic costs of the procedures. Reoperation costs were added to estimate the economic cost per subject. RESULTS: LSC has lower mean primary clinical cost as compared with the TVM in both the public (mean difference, $1102.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 468.52―1737.385) and private models (mean difference, $1176.68; 95% CI, 1116.85―1236.51 respectively. Mean total economic costs were significantly lower in the LSC group as compared with the TVM ($4013.07; 95% CI, 3107.77―4918.37). Labor costs were significantly greater in the LSC but were offset by lower consumable, inpatient, opportunity, and reoperation costs as compared with the TVM. CONCLUSION: The LSC has lower economic cost than TVM.