OBJECTIVES: Complex abdominal cases are very rare. However, they are critical in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of the study is to understand the cost of complex abdominal surgical operations to public health insurance in Turkey.

METHODS: A computer based clinical literature review has been conducted. Depending on the findings of literature search, an expert survey has been prepared. The expert survey has been conducted with 3 experts who are experienced in complex abdominal operations in Turkey. Cost of operation, post-operation infection and recurrence operation of complex abdominal operations have been calculated.

RESULTS: The average hospital stay for complex abdominal operations, post-operative infections and recurrence operations are 26 days, 31.5 days and 15 days, respectively. On the other hand, most of the hospital stays involved in intensive care unit are of particular interest because the costs of healthcare services increase. Cost of operation, post-operation infection and recurrence operation were calculated as 26.134 TL, 27.937 TL and 19.517 TL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: It is well noted that complex abdominal operations are costly for Turkish healthcare system. Further studies are needed to understand and organize the management of complex abdominal operations in Turkey.