Hospital costs of uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy for uterine fibroid tumors

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the total actual hospital costs of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy for treatment of uterine fibroid tumors and to evaluate factors that might influence cost. Materials and Methods. Total actual hospital costs were collected from the institution's cost accounting system on patients who underwent UAE (n = 57) or hysterectomy (n = 300) for uterine fibroids between 1998 and 2001. Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect clinical information. Standard statistical techniques were used to determine which factors influenced hospital costs. Results. The mean total actual hospital costs of UAE were significantly higher than hysterectomy ($8,223 vs $6,046, P < .0001), but the mean length of stay was shorter (0.95 vs 2.6 days, P < .0001). In linear regression analyses, complications were predictive of increased costs of UAE; length of stay, complications, and laparoscopic hysterectomy were predictive of increased costs of hysterectomy. Conclusion. Hospital costs of UAE were higher than hysterectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroids, but the hospital stays were shorter.