PMID: 18402732Apr 12, 2008Paper

A da Vinci robot system can make sense for a mature laparoscopic prostatectomy program.

JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
Peter L SteinbergJohn D Seigne

Abstract

We sought to provide informed recommendations on transitioning from laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) to robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RAP) through a study of the da Vinci robot. We performed a cost-benefit analysis to determine the impact that purchasing a dollars 1.5 million da Vinci robot with a dollars 112,000 service contract per year and dollars 200 per case of disposables would have on profits of a mature laparoscopic prostatectomy program. Seventy-eight cases per year are needed to cover the costs of a purchased robot, while only 20 cases per year are needed if a robot is donated. Once robot costs are covered, increases in caseload lead to increased income. Profit is not feasible at centers performing fewer than 25 cases annually. A donated robot lessens costs and allows reasonable revenue without drastic increases in caseload. Our data suggest a high-volume LRP program can convert to RAP and maintain profits; however, the cost of the robot precludes equal income as that with LRP. Purchasing a robot is not fiscally viable in a low-volume program. Given comparable outcomes between LRP and RAP, hospitals need to decide whether market forces or the intangible benefits of robotics outweigh the expenses of o...Continue Reading

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