ABSTRACT
Cost effectiveness is a relatively new concept for gynecologists. Many view the study of econom ics less than positively but with a state-funded health service where demand outstrips capacity, priorities must be set for the use of scarce resources. If more cost is incurred by introduc ing a new technology, then less will be available for the old. Cost effectiveness allows the com parison of two or more techniques and takes account of clinical effectiveness (including com plications), cost of the procedure and the outcome for the patient in terms of impact on health status.
