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Study: Pricey Surgery Robots Lack Clear Benefits
As robots march into operating rooms across the nation, some doctors are getting worried that patients might not be better off with the costly machines.
In the latest study to cast doubt on the technology, researchers found similar complication rates among women treated for endometrial cancer whether or not surgeons got help from a robot.
Yet robotic surgery costs about $1,300 more than the low-tech approach, called laparoscopy, in addition to the upfront cost to the hospital of the machine itself.
"Robotic surgery is clearly associated with higher costs, without any clear advantages," Dr. Jason Wright, a gynecologic surgeon at Columbia University in New York, told Reuters Health.
In a report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, he and his colleagues say millions of dollars could be saved by switching from robotic surgery to traditional laparoscopy, adding that official regulation might be needed.
"Surgeons need to keep in mind all of the modalities that are available to them," said Wright. "The newer, more technologically advanced ones aren't always better."
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Sources: OBR Daily; Reuters
Cancer Labels on Alcohol? Ireland, Where Pubs Still Rule, Will Have Them by Next Year
March 17th 2025As St. Patrick's Day brings global celebrations involving alcohol, Ireland looks forward to rethinking excess consumption with a new tool set to arrive next year: the world's most comprehensive alcohol warning label.
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Exploring Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care Prior Authorization Decisions
October 24th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the author of a study published in the October 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® that explored prior authorization decisions in cancer care by race and ethnicity for commercially insured patients.
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Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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More than 5 years after the American Society of Clinical Oncology warned of emerging disparities in precision medicine, efforts by community practices to embrace technology, form partnerships, and use data show how patients can gain access to personalized approaches. But challenges remain, especially for those covered by Medicaid.
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