Healthcare economic aspects and financial problems in benign gynecology

Benign diseases in gynecology and their mostly operative therapy are of high socio-economic importance but are also of elementary economic importance for gynecologic departments in hospitals. Modern, frequently minimally invasive operative procedures, quality assurance and professional training face financing problems. Continuous development of the existing diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system as well as the catalogue for outpatient surgery are mandatory in order to facilitate adequate medical care for gynecology patients with benign conditions. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.