A real world cost-minimization analysis comparing the use of different endoscopic staplers in video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy procedures

Summary

China’s cost-containment measures increasingly focus solely on the prices of consumable medical supplies without taking a broader perspective on differences in features and overall costs. This study compared two types of endoscopic staplers in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. Electronic medical records for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery from 2016 to 2017 were collected from a hospital in Anhui province. Two cohorts were retroactively defined based on stapler type. Total costs were compared using a cost-minimization analysis model. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed. In the base case, the group using more expensive staplers achieved overall cost savings of about $300 per procedure. Sensitivity analysis confirmed this result in 86.5% of cases. A price-only supply selection strategy may have unintended cost consequences.