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.