Cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery vs open surgery in the context of partial nephrectomy for small kidney tumors

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery compared to open surgery in the context of partial nephrectomy for small kidney tumor management. This is a retrospective study using data from 395 patients operated on by either robot-assisted surgery (RAPN) or by open partial nephrectomy (OPN); one hospital performed RAPN exclusively and the second hospital, OPN exclusively. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the perspective of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) by considering the costs of the initial hospital stay and the cost of complications. Clinical outcome was defined by the avoidance of major complications during the 12 months postoperatively. Major complications were absent in 82% of patients in the OPN group and 93% of patients in the RAPN group, with 11% in favor of robotic assistance ( p