Ulcer Surgery Made Less Expensive

Abstract

The cost for operative treatment of duodenal ulcer disease over 15-yr was studied by carefully measuring on a daily basis each cost item separately for every individual. All prices were transformed into 1975 cost level. Statistical analysis revealed a 42% reduction in the cost for operative treatment. This decrement in cost coincided with a change from partial gastrectomy to highly selective vagotomy as the routine procedure. Further refinement of highly selective vagotomy did not result in a further cost decrement.