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The article presents a study on costs-reduction analysis of laparoscopic with open air inguinal hernia repair. The study conducted a randomized multicentre study to compare totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair (TEP) with open air through Lichtenstein procedure on males with primary inguinal hernia and collection of long-term recurrence and complications data. It concludes that total cost in laparoscopic inginual hernia repair was small but have significant increase than with open air.

Background: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be successful in treating incapacitating faecal incontinence. The technique is expensive, and no cost analysis is currently available. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcome and analyse cost-effectiveness. Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients underwent a two-stage SNS procedure. Outcome parameters and real costs were assessed prospectively. Results: SNS was tested successfully in 33 of 36 patients, and 31 patients were stimulated permanently. In the first stage, eight of 36 patients reported minor complications (pain, infection or electrode dislocation), resulting in a cost of €4053 (range €2838-7273) per patient. For the second stage (permanent stimulation), eight of 33 patients had an infection, pain or loss of effectiveness, resulting in a cost of €11 292 (range €7406-20 274) per patient. Estimated costs for further follow-up were €997 per year. The 5-year cumulative cost for SNS was €22 150 per patient, compared with €33 996 for colostomy, €31 590 for dynamic graciloplasty and €3234 for conservative treatment. Conclusion: SNS is a highly cost-effective treatment for faecal incontinence. Options for further reduction of SNS costs include strict patient selection, treatment in an outpatient setting and using cheaper devices. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the cost-effectiveness of surgery versus conservative treatment for uncomplicated varicose veins in a randomized clinical trial. The cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out alongside a randomized clinical trial at two vascular units within National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. It was concluded that, for patients with uncomplicated varicose veins and evidence of saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal reflux, surgical treatment for varicose veins offers a modest health benefit for relatively little additional NHS cost relative to conservative treatment.