Abstract
Introduction
For patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer, diagnostic laparoscopy may identify liver and peritoneal metastases that are difficult to detect with other staging modalities. The aim of this study was to utilize a population-based pancreatic cancer database to assess the cost effectiveness of preoperative laparoscopy.
Material and Methods
Data from a state cancer registry were linked with primary medical record data for years 1996–2003. De-identified patient records were reviewed to determine the role and findings of laparoscopic exploration. Average hospital and physician charges for laparotomy, biliary bypass, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and laparoscopy were determined by review of billing data from our institution and Medicare data for fiscal years 2005–2006. Cost-effectiveness was determined by comparing three methods of utilization of laparoscopy: (1) routine (all patients), (2) case-specific, and (3) no utilization.
Results and Discussion
Of 298 potentially resectable patients, 86 underwent laparoscopy. The prevalence of unresectable disease was 14.1% diagnosed at either laparotomy or laparoscopy. The mean charge per patient for routine, case-specific, and no utilization of laparoscopy was $91,805, $90,888, and $93,134, respectively.
Conclusion
Cost analysis indicates that the case-specific or routine use of laparoscopy in pancreatic cancer does not add significantly to the overall expense of treatment and supports the use of laparoscopy in patients with known or suspected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Dr. Charles Vollmer for his generous assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.
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This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Oregon Health and Science University and the Research Committee at the Oregon State Cancer Registry.
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Enestvedt, C.K., Mayo, S.C., Diggs, B.S. et al. Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Patients with Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Is It Cost-Effective in the Current Era?. J Gastrointest Surg 12, 1177–1184 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-008-0514-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-008-0514-y