Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). In-hospital costs of DGE are unknown as well as the financial headroom for novel prophylactic treatments. This retrospective study aims to estimate the hospital costs of DGE and model the financial headroom per patient for new prophylactic treatment strategies within budget.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of a single-center prospective database including patients after PD (2010–2017). In-hospital costs for clinically relevant DGE (ISGPS grade B/C) were calculated by comparing patient groups with and without DGE or other complications. The financial headroom per patient was modelled for potential reductions (0–100%) of empirical DGE baseline risks (15–30%).
Results
Overall, DGE was present in 156 (26.9%) of 581 patients after PD. Costs for patients with isolated DGE (n = 90) were €10,295 higher than for patients without complications (n = 333). Costs for patients with other complications including DGE (n = 66) were €9008 higher than for patients with other complications without DGE (n = 92). The financial headroom for a novel prophylactic treatment per patient undergoing PD was €975 per 10% absolute decrease of DGE risk.
Conclusion
Hospital costs of DGE after PD are substantial. The financial headroom per patient for new DGE prophylactic treatments can be easily calculated via www.pancreascalculator.com.