Economic analysis of the use of video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in the surgical setting.

Aim: Compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL), video laryngoscopy (VL) offers clinical benefits in routine and difficult airways. The health economic benefit of VL versus DL for routine tracheal intubation remains unknown. Materials & methods: This analysis compared VL and DL health economic outcomes, including total inpatient costs, length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission and incidence of procedurally associated complications. Results: Patients with VL had decreased inpatient cost (US$1144-5891 across eight major diagnostic categories [MDC]); >1-day LOS reduction in five MDC; reduced odds for postoperative ICU admission (0.04-0.68) and reduced odds of respiratory complications in three MDC (0.43-0.90). Conclusion: Video laryngoscopy may lower total costs, reduce LOS and decrease the likelihood of postoperative ICU admission.