ARTHROSCOPIC OR OPEN BANKART PROCEDURES - WHAT ARE THE COSTS

The cost implications and resource utilization of arthroscopic and ope n Bankart procedures were evaluated to determine if differences exist between these procedures when performed in a community setting. Billin g and hospital records of consecutive patients who underwent either op en or arthroscopic Bankart procedures at the three facilities in our c ity during an 18-month period were analyzed. Procedure type (open or a rthroscopic), location (hospital or surgicenter), operation time, oper ating room time, postanesthesia care unit time, step-down area time, c harges for each of these, and anesthesiologist charges were analyzed f or 11 open and 13 arthroscopic Bankart procedures. Open procedures too k longer and required more operating room time than arthroscopic proce dures regardless of location (P <.01). Open procedures required longer postanesthesia care unit time than arthroscopic procedures (P <.01). Facility made no difference. Anesthesia fees were less for arthroscopi c ($882) than open Bankarts ($1,075) (P =.002). Total facility and ane sthesia fees were less for arthroscopic ($4,747) than for open Bankart s ($6,062) (P =.05). The arthroscopic Bankart repair was performed mor e quickly than the open Bankart procedure, regardless of facility choi ce, and resulted in lower total charges. A surgicenter is less expensi ve whether these procedures are performed arthroscopically or open.