Identifying variation in the cost of abdominally based breast reconstruction in the UK.

Aims: To understand variation in the cost of autologous breast reconstruction in the UK, including identifying key areas of cost variability, differences between and within units and the impact of enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS).

Methods: A micro-costing study was designed based on the responses to a national survey of clinical preferences completed by the majority of plastic surgeons and anaesthetists involved in the UK. Detailed costs were estimated from macro elements such as ward and theatre running costs, down to that of surgical meshes, anaesthetic drugs and flap monitoring devices.