Cost comparison of radiologic versus surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of radiologic versus surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Our cost analysis was based on 47 long-term hemodialysis catheters radiologically placed in 45 patients and 25 catheters surgically placed in 25 patients from October 1996 through March 1997. Variable and total costs were calculated using data from the hospital administrative computer system that records the actual costs incurred by the hospital in caring for patients. RESULTS. The average total hospital cost was $926 for each radiologic placement and $1849 for each surgical placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters. The total cost saving for radiologic placement was $923 for each catheter. CONCLUSION. Radiologic placement of long-term hemodialysis catheters resulted in substantial savings over surgical placement.