[Minimally invasive surgery. Economic analyses from the view point of the sickness funds]

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) claims to lead to less pain, faster recovery and/or healing, smaller scars and a shorter hospital stay, ideally in combination with lower costs. This article discusses which aspects of the economic evaluation of MIS, from the perspective of the statutory health insurance (SHI), are relevant. The economic perspective of the statutory health insurance primarily comprises the expenditures for illness (e.g. medical treatment, drugs, rehabilitation, sick-pay), i.e. direct costs only. Indirect costs (i.e. productivity losses) remain unconsidered. Thus, the perspective of the SHI describes only a reduced view of reality. However, on the basis of proven efficacy, cost-minimisation and cost-benefit analyses for certain questions are conceivable from the perspective of the SHI. Results from such analyses can generate important information for the calculation of tariffs and negotiation of contracts.