Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Autonomous and Rechargeable Microneurostimulator Endoscopically Implantable into the Submucosa
Published on: September 27, 2018
Costs of inguinal hernia repair associated with using different medical devices in the Czech Republic
Petra Marešová1, Matus Peteja2, Milan Lerch2
1Department of Economics, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove.
Insights
Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgery, but it results in a significant financial loss for hospitals in the Czech Republic. The study highlights that the choice of medical devices impacts both patient outcomes and hospital profitability.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Surgical Procedures
- Medical Device Analysis
Background:
- Inguinal hernia repair is a globally prevalent surgical procedure.
- Understanding the economic implications is crucial for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the costs associated with inguinal hernia repair.
- To determine the profitability or loss incurred by hospitals in the Czech Republic.
- To evaluate the impact of different medical devices and approaches on costs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Drummond and O'Brien methodology for cost determination.
- Analyzed operational costs from 2010-2014 for 746 patients.
- Focused on laparoscopic surgery, detailing costs for four representative cases with varying medical devices.
Main Results:
- Total costs for inguinal hernia repairs amounted to €1,248,579 (2015 rates).
- Hospitals incurred a net loss of €218,359, representing 17% of total costs.
- The procedure was found to be unprofitable under current Czech Republic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Economic outcomes vary based on the type of medical device used.
- Medical device selection should balance patient benefits with hospital cost-effectiveness.
- Optimizing device choice is key to improving financial viability in hernia repair.
Objective:
Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently carried out operations worldwide. The purpose of this article is to analyze the costs of hernia repair and to specify the loss or profit made under the conditions in the Czech Republic with respect to the currently used medical devices and approaches.
Methods:
This article is based on the Drummond and O'Brien methodology, which specifically determines the content of direct and indirect costs in health services. The costs of operations during the period 2010-2014 were specified for a total of 746 patients. The cost details are described for four patients who represent the use of different types of medical devices. The procedure was a laparoscopic surgery in all cases.
Results:
The total costs of inguinal hernia repairs (as per 2015 currency conversion rate) are €1,248,579; only part is covered from public funds, resulting in a loss of €218,359 for the hospital. The obtained data indicate that this operation is unprofitable for hospitals under the present conditions. The loss in the subject facility amounts to 17% of the total cost, which is the cost incurred by the hospital in the Czech Republic.
Conclusion:
The study conducted in the Czech Republic refers to different economic results when using various medical device types. So the medical device selection depends on advantages or disadvantages for the patients, as well as on the cost effectiveness for the hospital.
