The cost of resection for colorectal cancer

The aim of this study was to determine the average total cost and component costs of the surgical management of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a large teaching hospital and to examine the relationships between cost and several characteristics of the patients. Data were compiled for 97 consecutive patients undergoing resection for CRC at Concord Hospital in 1979. The cost of the following components was calculated for each patient: (a) pre- and postoperative bed occupancy; (b) investigations; (c) operation; (d) anaesthetic; (e) prescribed drugs; (f) allied health services. The cost of bed occupancy was by far the largest item in the average total cost (72%), followed by the cost of investigations (11%). There was no correlation between pre- and postoperative bed occupancy and no patient characteristic had a statistically significant effect on pre-operative stay. Several factors were associated with prolonged postoperative stay including the number of clinical problems, operation for rectal as opposed to colonic cancer, having a two-stage procedure, surgical complications and wound infection. By far the greatest reduction in total cost could be achieved by reducing the length of postoperative stay.