Comparison of Material and Profit Costs of Surgical Consumables and Outcomes between Laparoscopic and Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

               This study aimed to compare the material and profit costs of surgical consumables, the frequency of postoperative intravenous painkiller usage within 48 hours, and complications within 12 months following both laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repairs. A retrospective study design was employed using secondary data analysis from medical records, including 159 total inguinal hernia repair cases. Of these, 54 cases involved laparoscopic techniques, and 105 cases involved open surgeries at Pattani Hospital between July 2022 and December 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
            The results showed that the material costs for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was significantly higher than open surgery (6,420 and 2,554 Baht/case, respectively). Furthermore, the profit margin for consumable materials in laparoscopic hernia repair was also significantly higher than in open surgery (9,274 and 6,924 Baht/case, respectively). The frequency of postoperative intravenous painkiller usage were not different for both techniques (p = .636). Postoperative complications were not different between laparoscopic and open inguinal repairs.
            In conclusions, laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery uses more expensive materials compared to open surgery, it can also yield higher net profits per case. Post-operative pain and complication are comparable. However, choosing the surgical method, factors such as the patient's condition, the surgeon's expertise, and the availability of equipment at each hospital should be considered.