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Evaluating the economic impact of bariatric surgery: A multi-year comparative analysis
Kate V Lauer1, Dawda Jawara1, Lily N Stalter1
1Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
Introduction:
Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities, but data regarding its cost impact are mixed. We compared healthcare costs for bariatric surgery patients and non-operative controls through four years after surgery.
Methods:
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2018-2019 were matched 1:5 with controls who met criteria for bariatric surgery but were medically managed. Post-operative costs were compared by year after surgery and healthcare setting.
Results:
Bariatric surgery patients (n = 37) had higher mean total costs years 1-4 after surgery compared to non-operative controls (n = 185) [$26,805(SD $47,039) vs. $14,547($30,170); p < 0.001]. The largest differences occurred in the outpatient setting [$16,935($19,807) vs. $8972($14,690); p < 0.0001] and during the first year after surgery [$12,616($36,422) vs. $3355($9367); p < 0.0001].
Conclusions:
Bariatric surgery patients had higher post-operative costs through four years after surgery compared to non-operative controls, primarily due to higher costs within the first year after surgery and increased outpatient costs.
