Predictors of costs for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Information on the association of perioperative parameters with costs for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is lacking. Understanding factors that impact cost may allow reduction in cost of prostate cancer care. We identified factors associated with higher costs in a contemporary series of RALP.

Total direct cost and clinicopathologic data were available for 264 patients who underwent RALP at our institution between May 2005 and April 2008. We performed linear regression analyses to identify predictors of direct cost using preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables.

On univariable analyses, operating room (OR) time, placement of a pelvic drain (both P<0.001), complications during surgery (P=0.002) or hospitalization, blood transfusion, and length of stay (all P<0.001) were associated with higher direct costs. On multivariable analysis, none of the preoperative features were found to predict direct costs. Of the intraoperative factors, OR time (P<0.001) and pelvic drain placement (P=0.006) were associated with higher direct costs. A longer OR time, length of stay, and usage of transfusions (all P<0.001) during the postoperative course were independently associated with higher direct costs.

Of factors that are available preoperatively, none seems to be useful to predict added costs for individual patients undergoing RALP. Higher costs for RALP are driven by events occurring during the procedure or postoperative hospital stay.