Cost analysis in vitrectomy: monitored anesthesia care and general anesthesia

A retrospective study was performed to compare differences in hospital charges between monitored anesthesia care with retrobulbar block and general anesthesia among patients having vitrectomy. Of 128 consecutive patients undergoing vitrectomy between July 1996 and July 1997, group 1 received general anesthesia (n = 41), group 2 received monitored care anesthesia with retrobulbar block (n = 59), and 28 patients were eliminated from the study. There were significant differences in anesthesia charges, operating room charges, pharmacy charges, and total hospital charges between groups 1 and 2. Charges associated with monitored care anesthesia with retrobulbar block are 20% less than charges associated with general anesthesia. Fewer patients in group 2 required postoperative intravenous narcotics than in group 1.