COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF OPEN VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR FOR PRIMARY INGUINAL-HERNIA

A cast-effectiveness (CE) analysis was performed of Bassini versus lap aroscopic repair for primary inguinal hernia. incremental costs per I- year recurrence-free patient were calculated for the societal and hosp ital perspective. From the hospital perspective, the incremental CE ra tio of laparoscopic repair is 5.348 guilders. From the societal perspe ctive, laparoscopic repair is both less costly and more effective than Bassini repair. Results were sensitive to assumptions about recurrenc e rates, laparoscopic operating time, and return to work. Laparoscopic repair should replace Bassini repair in order to benefit society. Fro m the hospital perspective, the decision to accept laparoscopic repair depends on the willingness to pay.