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Cost-effective carotid endarterectomy
American Journal of Surgery
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Carotid endarterectomy costs can be reduced by limiting intensive care unit use and encouraging early discharge. This approach maintains excellent patient outcomes, with low mortality and stroke rates.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Health Economics
Background:
- Carotid endarterectomy is a common vascular procedure with significant annual costs.
- Cost-control strategies include limiting preoperative studies, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and promoting early discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgical outcomes and costs of carotid endarterectomy at a single institution.
- To compare institutional costs with those of local facilities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 65 carotid endarterectomies performed over 18 months.
- Analysis of per-patient hospital costs and comparison with local benchmarks.
- Assessment of postoperative length of stay, mortality, and stroke rates.
Main Results:
- Average per-patient hospital cost was $8,060, which was $3,510 lower than other local facilities.
- Median postoperative length of stay was 1 day.
- Mortality rate was 1.5% (1 death), and stroke rate was 1.5% (1 stroke).
Conclusions:
- Reduced ICU utilization and short postoperative stays effectively lowered overall hospital costs.
- Cost-saving measures did not compromise patient outcomes, evidenced by low mortality and stroke rates.