COMPREHENSIVE 1-YEAR COST-ANALYSIS OF OPEN ANTIREFLUX SURGERY IN NORDIC COUNTRIES

Background Antireflux surgery is a highly effective treatment option i n patients with severe gastrooesophageal reflux disease. However, beca use of the increasing pressure of cost containment within health care, cost aspects must also be added to the decision-making process. Metho ds The aim of this analysis was to assess the total cost of open antir eflux surgery during the first year after operation in 178 patients wi th chronic reflux, who were recruited into a controlled, prospective c linical trial. The study was carried out in 17 hospitals in the Nordic countries. Results The cost of the operation represented more than 90 per cent of the direct medical costs which amounted to approximately US $700. For a patient in the work force the indirect cost, i.e. loss of production, represented 47 per cent of the total cost, which was ab out US $10 800. Conclusion The total cost profile of open antireflux s urgery has now been established prospectively and can form a basis for future comparisons.