Cost comparison of radiologic versus surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of radiologic versus surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters, MATERIALS AND METHODS. Our cost analysis was based on 47 long-term hemodial ysis catheters radiologically placed in 45 patients and 25 catheters surgic ally placed in 25 patients from October 1996 through March 1997, Variable a nd total costs were calculated using data from the hospital administrative computer system that records the actual costs incurred by the hospital in c aring for patients. RESULTS. The average total hospital cost was $926 for each radiologic place ment and S1849 for each surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis cathet ers, The total cost saving for radiologic placement was $923 for each cathe ter, CONCLUSION. Radiologic placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters result ed in substantial savings over surgical placement.