Postoperative Investigations Resulting in Cost Reduction in Oncological Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery.

Abstract

Rising costs in health care are of progressively growing interest and a major factor affecting hospitalization costs is represented by postoperative complications. Complications of Major Abdominal Surgery (MAS) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study estimates the costs of postoperative care associated with complications. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 254 patients admitted to the 1st General and Oncological Surgery Clinic of the Bucharest Oncology Institute who were submitted to MAS. The total hospitalization, complications and treatment costs were analysed. Results: For a patient undergoing MAS, the average costs for surgery without complications are 5,791.3 RON and reach an average of 20,806 RON after major complications. The results provide insight into the costs of hospitalization for oncology patients submitted to surgical interventions. Complications occur in 20.86% of patients undergoing MAS and account for 50% of total care costs. Establishing and implementing a protocol aimed at early diagnosis and treatment of specific complications could lead to a decrease in morbidity and mortality, as well as of the costs of hospitalization.