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[Cost aspects in anesthesia. Propofol versus isoflurane anesthesia]
1Abteilung Anaesthesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Der Anaesthesist
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Comparing anesthesia costs, propofol and standard isoflurane anesthesia showed similar expenses. However, low-flow isoflurane anesthesia significantly reduced overall costs, making it the most economical option.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Cost control is a critical consideration in modern healthcare.
- The comparative cost-effectiveness of propofol versus volatile anesthetics like isoflurane is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the costs associated with propofol-based anesthesia versus standard and low-flow isoflurane anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients undergoing thyroidectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into three groups: propofol/fentanyl, standard isoflurane, and low-flow isoflurane.
- Anesthesia costs, including intraoperative drug consumption and postoperative care expenses, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Propofol anesthesia patients had shorter post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stays and lower PACU drug costs.
- Overall costs were comparable between propofol and standard isoflurane groups (78.30 DM vs. 81.69 DM per patient).
- Low-flow isoflurane anesthesia demonstrated the lowest overall costs (57.46 DM per patient, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Propofol and standard isoflurane anesthesia exhibit similar overall costs.
- Utilizing isoflurane in a low-flow system offers significant cost savings.
- While anesthetic choice impacts costs, further investigation is needed to determine the extent to which it can reduce overall departmental expenses.