Outpatient treatment of varicose veins with endolaser in clinic vs. hospital: cost-benefit and safety assessment.

Background: Varicose disease is a common pathology among the population, with an incidence of about 38%. In Brazil, it affects 45% of women and 30% of men. Currently, endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) of the saphenous vein is the method of choice in the treatment of varicose veins. As a minimally invasive procedure that promotes quick recovery and does not require hospitalization, it can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and cost-benefit of outpatient varicose vein treatment in a clinic compared to the same procedure performed in a hospital environment.

Methods: A uncontrolled retrospective transversal study of case series evaluated a random group of 50 patients undergoing EVTA for the treatment of varicose disease by the same group of vascular surgeons. Twenty-five underwent the procedure in a tertiary hospital environment and 25 on an outpatient basis. The average costs of room fees and materials from both groups were analyzed and statistically compared with the Student's t-test. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results: The average hospital cost of the procedure was R$ 1391.99 (± 280.8) in the hospital and R$ 1593.40 (± 99.53) in the clinic. The Student's t-test showed a significant difference with p=0.02. No patient had complications either intraoperatively or postoperatively.

Conclusions: Outpatient surgery, despite having a statistically higher cost than hospital surgery in Brazil, is safe and has a positive cost-benefit for the patient.