OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incremental cost of post-surgical complications following breast surgery from the perspective of hospitals in the USA.

METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis, conducted using a large hospital claims database. A sample of patients (n=111) who had a documented post-surgical complication (Disruption, Seroma, Hematoma, Edema) were matched with a sample with no corresponding complications for a direct comparison of costs.

RESULTS: Mean incremental cost per patient was $5,259.78 ($9,683.70 for patients with no complications compared with $14,943.48 for patients who did suffer a subsequent issue); an increase of 54%. These costs were predominantly driven by increases in surgical (+$1,472), room and board (+$1,581) and other costs (+$1,422).

CONCLUSIONS: In breast surgery, wound complications post-surgery impose significant cost increases on a provider in the 3 months following surgery.