Economic Analysis of Robotic Rectal Resection in German Health Care System

Economic Analysis of Robotic Rectal Resection in German Health Care System

Analysis of cost effectiveness of robotic rectal resection, either sphincter preserving or abdominoperineal extirpation, in the German diagnosis related groups (DRG) system.

Robotic surgery has many well-known benefits for patients and surgeons, while it comes with higher acquisition and maintenance costs. On the other hand, a higher proportion of minimally invasive procedures can save costs by reducing complications, decreasing hospital stays due to lower morbidity, and saving personnel.

To what extent can robotic surgery be cost-covering or even profitable, depending on the postoperative course? This question is investigated under the conditions of the German DRG system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18y
• histologically proven rectal cancer with curative therapeutic approach
• suitable for minimally-invasive surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• no rectal cancer
• primary open surgery