OBJECTIVES: The literature demonstrated that 13% of patients who have done colorectal surgery could develop anatomic fistula and evolution to the definitive stoma due to the present analysis to expose the economic benefits of sponge device using vacuum therapy in anastomotic fistula versus conventional treatment or re-operation.

METHODS: It compared the conventional treatment (re-operation) versus sponge (open pore polyurethane) using the vacuum for treatment in an anastomotic fistula. In sponge, the group considered a total of 10 changes (average of 1,5 sponge devices per 72 hours) in the ambulatory procedure. The outcomes evaluated were total treatment cost, stoma rates, and mortality. The clinical parameters and direct medical costs were derived from a published literature review from the Brazilian private health system.

RESULTS: The sponge device showed a total cost of BRL 57k per patient and conventional treatment (re-operation) BRL 105k representing a saving of 46%. The new device can reduce re-operation, length of stay, mortality, and number of stomas representing the quality of life for the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The clinical benefits of sponge devices can be translated into economic benefits for patients and the health system. However, there is a need for further assessment of this therapy with well-designed randomized or cohort studies.