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Published on: July 7, 2023
Phacoemulsification versus extracapsular extraction: governmental costs
Newton Kara1, Maysa Godoy Gomes Mazurek Sirtoli, Marcony Rodrigues Santhiago
1Ophthalmology Department, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. maysa_mazurek@hotmail.com
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|May 11, 2010
Summary
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is cost-effective for public healthcare systems, especially for working patients. This study compared its costs against extracapsular cataract extraction in a developing country.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Cataract surgery is a common procedure globally.
- Evaluating surgical costs is crucial for public health resource allocation in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the governmental costs of phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction.
- To analyze these costs within a public hospital setting in a developing country.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 205 patients undergoing cataract surgery.
- Randomization of subjects to either phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction.
Main Results:
- Phacoemulsification incurred higher direct governmental costs (US$95.49 more) than extracapsular cataract extraction initially.
- When considering social security, the cost difference reduced to US$50.91.
- For working patients, phacoemulsification was US$245.50 less expensive, justifying its use.
Conclusions:
- Phacoemulsification is an efficient cataract surgery procedure for public healthcare systems.
- The cost-effectiveness is particularly evident for working individuals when all benefits are considered.
