Cost consequences of preoperative duplex examination before varicose vein surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives: To investigate the cost consequences of the addition of a duplex scan to the routine clinical examination prior to surgery for varicose veins (VV). Methods: Cost data are based on a prospective study, which randomized 293 VV patients for surgery either with or without a preoperative duplex scan. Costs are collected during a two-year follow-up time and include direct costs for primary surgery and reoperation. Results: The mean cost for the primary operation was SEK 12,827 (E1410) in the duplex group and SEK 9856 (E1083) in the control group (P < 0.001). A significant part of this increase was due to more extensive primary surgery. Costs for redo surgery decreased by SEK 1131 (E124) (P = 0.011). The mean net cost increase because of duplex is estimated to be SEK 1840 (E202) (P < 0.003). Conclusion: The savings in costs for redo surgery did not offset the costs for preoperative duplex examination before VV surgery during a two-year follow-up period.