Cost analysis for thoracoscopy: thoracoscopic wedge resection and lobectomy

We reviewed our experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in our most recent 80 patients for the purpose of cost analysis. The costs incurred in the patients undergoing a VATS wedge resection for nodules (n = 30) and a VATS lobectomy for lung cancer (n = 10) were compared with the costs in similar patients undergoing a wedge resection (n = 20) and lobectomy (n = 20) using open techniques. The disposable instrument costs were US $1071 higher for a VATS wedge resection; however, the operative time was shorter (0.99 h for VATS versus 1.75 h for the open procedure). The length of hospital stay was also shorter after a VATS wedge resection (10.4 days for VATS versus 16.8 days for the open procedure), thus resulting in lower total hospital charge in the VATS group. The disposable instrument costs were $3190 higher for a VATS lobectomy, and the operative time was longer (5.56 h for VATS versus 4.25 h for the open procedure). The length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (25.2 days for VATS versus 27.7 days for the open procedure), thus resulting in a higher total hospital charge in the VATS lobectomy group. The cost of a VATS wedge resection for removing peripheral nodules is competitive with that of open techniques, but the cost of a VATS lobectomy is higher than that for an open lobectomy.