Pd. Blumenthal et Re. Remsburg, A TIME AND COST-ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF INCOMPLETE ABORTION WITH MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION, International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics, 45(3), 1994, pp. 261-267
OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, management of incomplete abortion involves
use of D&C or suction curettage in the operating room. Such management
is costly and time-consuming. In order to potentially save time and m
oney, we studied the use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage (MVAC)
for the management of this problem. METHODS. Data on hospital charges
and times (e.g. waiting time, procedure time) were obtained for all ca
ses of incomplete abortion presenting to hospital between January 1990
and July 1992. Between January 1990 and July 1991, all cases were man
aged traditionally. After July 1991, all cases were managed using MVAC
in either the emergency room or the labor ward. RESULTS: Compared to
the use of electrical suction equipment in the operating theatre, MVAC
procedures resulted in significant savings in terms of both waiting t
imes and costs. Waiting time was reduced by 52% and procedure time was
reduced from a mean of 33 min to 19 min (P < 0.01). Total hospital co
sts were reduced by 41% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS. Use of manual vacuum
aspiration curettage in the management of incomplete abortion can redu
ce hospital costs and save time for both patients and clinicians.