COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION VERSUS LASER FOR VARICOSE VEINS

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda C. Shepherd ◽  
Marta Ortega-Ortega ◽  
Manj S. Gohel ◽  
David Epstein ◽  
Louise C. Brown ◽  
...  

Objectives: Although the clinical benefits of endovenous thermal ablation are widely recognized, few studies have evaluated the health economic implications of different treatments. This study compares 6-month clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the setting of a randomized clinical trial.Methods: Patients with symptomatic primary varicose veins were randomized to EVLA or RFA and followed up for 6 months to evaluate clinical improvements, health related quality of life (HRQOL) and cost-effectiveness.Results: A total of 131 patients were randomized, of which 110 attended 6-month follow-up (EVLA n = 54; RFA n = 56). Improvements in quality of life (AVVQ and SF-12v2) and Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS) achieved at 6 weeks were maintained at 6 months, with no significant difference detected between treatment groups. There were no differences in treatment failure rates. There were small differences in favor of EVLA in terms of costs and 6-month HRQOL but these were not statistically significant. However, RFA is associated with less pain at up to 10 days.Conclusions: EVLA and RFA result in comparable and significant gains in quality of life and clinical improvements at 6 months, compared with baseline values. EVLA is more likely to be cost-effective than RFA but absolute differences in costs and HRQOL are small.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 627-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abduraheem Mohamed ◽  
Clement Leung ◽  
Louise Hitchman ◽  
Tom Wallace ◽  
George Smith ◽  
...  

Introduction Endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) is an increasingly popular non-thermal non-tumescent technique used to treat axial reflux in patients with superficial venous incompetence. However, the optimal management of varicose tributaries following this technique is unknown and may impact on patient outcomes. This study compares MOCA with concomitant phlebectomy (MOCAP) versus ablation with sequential phlebectomy if required (MOCAS). Methods Patients with symptomatic Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders (CEAP C2–C6) unilateral axial reflux were studied. Patient choice determined whether concomitant treatment of varicosities was carried out. The primary outcome was the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ) at one year. Secondary outcomes included: Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS), EuroQol 5-Domain quality of life scores, complications, procedure duration, procedural and post-operative pain scores and need for secondary procedures. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and then one week, six weeks, six months and one year post intervention. Results Fifty patients underwent MOCAP and 33 patients MOCAS. The two groups were comparable at baseline. MOCAP was associated with lower (better) AVVQ scores at six weeks (3.4 (0.5–6.0) vs. 6.1 (1.8–12.1); P = 0.009) and at six months (1.6 (0.0–4.5) vs. 3.34 (1.8–8.4); P = 0.009) but by one year the difference was no longer statistically significant (1.81 (0.0–4.5) vs. 3.81 (0.2–5.3); P = 0.099). MOCAP was associated with longer procedural duration (45 min (36–56) vs. 30 min (25–37); P < 0.001) and higher maximal periprocedural pain (31 (21–59) vs. 18 (7–25); P = 0.001). VCSS at all time points were lower in favour of MOCAP (0 (0–1) vs. 1 (0–3); P < 0.001). MOCAP was associated with fewer episodes of clinically significant thrombophlebitis (6 of 50 (12%) vs. 10 of 33 (30%); P = 0.039) and lower numbers of secondary procedures (2 (4%) vs. 6 (18%); P = 0.032). Conclusion Concomitant treatment of tributary varicosities following MOCA improves quality of life and clinical severity, while reducing rates of re-intervention and post-operative thrombophlebitis compared to sequential treatment. The penalty is a modest increase in procedural duration and discomfort. Further evidence from longer-term follow-up is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Beyer ◽  
Stephen Rice ◽  
Giovany Orozco-Leal ◽  
Madeleine Still ◽  
Hannah O'Keefe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Early evidence suggests using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an adjunct to stenting may improve outcomes in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. RFA can be deployed either at the initial stent insertion or to clear tumour ingrowth in a previously placed stent. Methods To assess the clinical and cost effectiveness and potential risks of RFA for malignant biliary obstruction. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, HTA and DARE, 3 websites and 7 trial registers were searched from 2008 to 2021. Study inclusion criteria were: malignant biliary obstruction; intervention as endoscopic RFA, either to fit a stent (primary RFA) or to clear a blocked stent (secondary RFA); primary outcomes were survival, quality of life or procedure-related adverse events. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Primary analysis was meta-analysis of the hazard ratio of mortality. Results 68 studies (1742 patients) were identified but only 2 randomised trials, 1 retrospective case-control study and 3 retrospective cohort studies reported a hazard ratio of death for primary RFA compared to stent-only control. The pooled hazard ratio of mortality for primary RFA compared to stent-only was 0.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 to 0.55). There was moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 53%) however studies were consistently in favour of primary RFA. There was insufficient evidence available to analyse effectiveness in secondary RFA. No evidence relating to quality of life. There was no evidence of increased risk of cholangitis (risk ratio 1.15, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.12) or pancreatitis (risk ratio 1.34, 95% CI 0.55 to 3.25), but there was an increase in cholecystitis (risk ratio 11.47, 95% CI 2.28 to 57.66). Inconsistencies in standard reporting and study design were noted e.g. adverse outcomes and lack of standardised comparator groups. RFA was estimated to cost £2,659 and produced 0.18 QALYs more than no RFA on average. With an ICER of £14,392/QALY, RFA was likely to be cost-effective at a threshold of £20,000/QALY. The source of the vast majority of decision uncertainty lay in the effect of RFA on stent patency. Conclusions Primary RFA is associated with increased survival and appears cost-effective. The evidence for the impact of secondary RFA on survival and of quality of life is limited. There was no increase in the risk of post-ERCP cholangitis or pancreatitis but increased risk of cholecystitis. High quality RCTs to investigate primary and secondary RFA are needed with accurate documentation of quality of life, adverse event rates and survival.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 236-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew G. Crowson ◽  
Yevgeniy R. Semenov ◽  
Debara L. Tucci ◽  
John K. Niparko

Objectives: To review evidence regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cost-effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) among children and adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Study Design: Narrative review. Methods: Publications related to quality of life (QoL) and costs of care in CI were acquired through searches in English-language databases. Studies were included if they had identified the HRQoL attainment, cost of care, cost-utility, or cost-effectiveness associated with CI. Results: 57 studies were critically reviewed. The QoL outcome metrics used in these articles were divided into 2 categories - generic and condition specific. In studies investigating children, many reported no significant difference in QoL attainment between CI recipients and normal-hearing peers. In adults, significant improvements in QoL after implantation and higher QoL than in their nonimplanted (hearing-aided) peers were frequently reported. Studies involving an older adult cohort reported significant improvement in QoL after implantation, which was often independent of audiological performance. Overall, the calculated cost-utility ratios consistently met the threshold of cost acceptance, indicating acceptable values for expenditures on CI. Conclusions: Considerable work has been done on the QoL attainment and health economic implications of CI. Unilateral CI across all age groups leads to reported sustained benefits in the recipients' overall and disease-specific QoL. With increased cost associated with bilateral CI, further study is needed to characterize its costs and benefits with respect to the recipients' health, well-being, and contributions to society.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Wen Yue ◽  
Shu-Rong Wang ◽  
Feng Lu ◽  
Xiao-Long Li ◽  
Hui-Xiong Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract This study is to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and open thyroidectomy (OT) for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) treatment. HRQoL and utility were assessed for 404 BTN patients immediately before treatments (RFA:OT = 137:267) and at 6-month visit. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from societal perspective in the China context. Resource use (hospitalization, sick leaves) was collected. We used the net monetary benefit approach and computed cost-effectiveness acceptability curves for RFA and OT. Sensitivity analyses of costs of RFA were performed. At 6-month visit, patients treated with RFA had significantly better HRQoL than patients treated with OT on general health (68.5 versus 66.7, P = 0.029), vitality (71.3 versus 67.5, P < 0.001) and mental health (80.9 versus 79.3, P = 0.038). RFA was more effective than OT in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs; 0.01QALY/patient) but more expensive (US$823/patient). The probability that RFA would be cost effective at a US$50,000/QALY threshold was 15.5% in China, and it would be increased to 88.4% when price of the RFA device was lowered by 30%. RFA exhibited a significant improvement of HRQoL relative to OT, but is unlikely to be cost effective at its current price in short time.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e023881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Sampaio ◽  
Marianne Bonnert ◽  
Ola Olén ◽  
Erik Hedman ◽  
Maria Lalouni ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess whether exposure-based internet-delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy (internet-CBT) is a cost-effective treatment for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared with a waitlist control, from a societal perspective, based on data from a randomised trial.DesignWithin-trial cost-effectiveness analysis.SettingParticipants were recruited from the whole of Sweden via primary, secondary and tertiary care clinics reached through news media and advertising.ParticipantsAdolescents (aged 13–17) with a diagnosis of IBS.InterventionsParticipants were randomised to either an exposure-based internet-CBT, including 10 weekly modules for adolescents and five modules for parents, or a waitlist.Outcome measuresThe main health outcome was the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) estimated by mapping Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores onto EQ-5D-3L utilities. The secondary outcome was the point improvement on the PedsQL scale. Data on health outcomes and resource use were collected at baseline and 10 weeks post-treatment. Resource use was measured using the Trimbos and Institute of Medical Technology Assessment Cost Questionnaire for Psychiatry (TIC-P) . Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated as the difference in average costs by the difference in average outcomes between groups.ResultsThe base-case results showed that internet-CBT costs were on average US$170.24 (95% CI 63.14 to 315.04) more per participant than the waitlist. Adolescents in the internet-CBT group showed small QALY gains (0.0031; 95% CI 0.0003 to 0.0061), and an average improvement of 5.647 points (95% CI 1.82 to 9.46) on the PedsQL compared with the waitlist. Internet-CBT yielded an ICER of $54 916/QALY gained and a probability of cost-effectiveness of 74% given the Swedish willingness-to-pay threshold. The ICER for the outcome PedsQL was US$85.29/point improvement.ConclusionsOffering internet-CBT to adolescents with IBS improves health-related quality of life and generates small QALY gains at a higher cost than a waitlist control. Internet-CBT is thus likely to be cost-effective given the strong efficacy evidence, small QALY gains and low cost.Trial registration numberNCT02306369; Results.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20573-e20573 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bernardo ◽  
R. Palumbo ◽  
M. Frascaroli ◽  
A. Bernardo ◽  
A. Losurdo ◽  
...  

e20573 Background: Chemotherapy(CT)-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are common adverse effects in cancer patients. The control of CINV is a relevant objective for the patient's quality of life and also aims to optimize cancer treatment. 5-HT3- receptor antagonists (RAs) are commonly used to prevent CINV. Palonosetron, the only second generation 5-HT3-RA, has a significantly longer half-life and a higher binding activity than the first generation of 5-HT3RAs. Methods: To evaluate the activity, safety and farmacoeconomic profile of palonosetron compared to ondansetron as antiemetic prophylaxis for highly (HEC) or moderately (MEC) emetogenic chemotherapy, 235 consecutive chemo-naïve patients (pts) were assigned (1:1) to receive palonosetron 250 mcg i.v. plus dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. 30 min before CT on day 1 (Group A) or ondansetron 8 mg i.v. plus dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. on day 1, followed by 8 mg os twice daily over 3 days (Group B). Results: The 2 treatment groups were comparable with respect to tumour type (breast 52%, lung 20%, colorectal cancer 11%, ovarian 8%, head & neck 5%, other 4%) and emetogenic potential of CT (HEC in 78 pts, AC-based chemotherapy in 123, MEC in 35). FLIE questionnaires were completed on days 2–5. Complete response (CR) rate for the acute period was 82% in pts given HEC in group A versus 63.2% in group B, 93.4 % versus 80.6% in pts given AC and 100% versus 94.4% in pts given MEC. For the delayed period: 74.4% in group A versus 63.2% in group B for pts receiving HEC, 90.2% versus 71% in pts given AC and 94% versus 88.9% in pts given MEC. FLIE analysis showed a reduced impact of CINV on daily life in group A (p<0.05). The pharmacoeconomic evaluation showed favourable cost effectiveness profiles for palonosetron, with a saving of about 50% per cycle/per patient over ondansetron. A not significant reduced incidence of headache and constipation was observed in group A. Conclusions: Palonosetron was effective in preventing CINV following HEC, AC and MEC in both acute and delayed phases, as well as being cost effective. The CR rates were maintained throughout subsequent cycles of CT, with a significant positive impact on daily functioning and quality of life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Marsden ◽  
D Wonderling

Background: Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is often misperceived to be a cost-cutting exercise. The intention of CEA is not to identify and implement cheap technologies, but rather those which offer maximum health gain, subject to available funds. Such analysis is crucial for decision making in health care, as tight budget constraints mean spending in one area of healthcare displaces spending elsewhere. Therefore in order to achieve the greatest health gain for the overall population, treatments must be selected which provide the greatest health gain within the available funds. Summary: The relevance of CEA in health care systems is explained, using varicose vein treatment in the UK NHS as an example. Treatment for varicose veins is often not commissioned to at a local level, most likely because it is misperceived to be a cosmetic problem. However, this view does not take into account the impact of quality of life. CEA balances costs against a quantitative measure of health related quality of life, and could therefore be used to determine whether it is cost-effective to provide varicose vein treatment. The current literature on the cost-effectiveness of varicose vein treatment is reviewed, and an overview of cost-effectiveness principles is provided. Concepts such as economic modelling, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), net monetary benefit (NMB) and sensitivity analysis are explained, using examples relevant to varicose veins where appropriate. Conclusion: This article explains how, far from cutting costs and sacrificing patient health, CEA provides a useful tool to maximise the health of the population in the face of ever tightening budget constraints. CEA could be used to compare the cost-effectiveness of the various treatment options for varicose veins, and efficiencies realised.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 80-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark H Meissner

Varicose veins affect one-quarter to one-third of Western adult populations and consume an increasing amount of health care resources. Much of this increased utilization has been driven by the advent of minimally invasive technology including endovenous thermal ablation, foam sclerotherapy, and more recently mechanicochemical and cyanoacrylate glue ablation. This has largely been driven by patient and physician preferences in the absence of robust evidence that one therapy is truly superior to another. This partially arises from misunderstandings about appropriate outcomes measures and what truly constitutes effective treatment of varicose veins. Technical outcomes, such as saphenous closure rates, have frequently been used as surrogates for effective treatment but are poorly correlated with symptom improvement, quality of life, and risk of recurrence. Although there does appear to be a trend towards higher recurrence with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, the data are occasionally conflicting and there does not appear to be substantial differences between the various modalities. Similarly, there do not appear to be major differences in late quality of life measures between these treatment options. As long-term differences in recurrence and quality of life are small, overall cost effectiveness is driven primarily by initial treatment costs and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is the most cost-effective strategy in many models. However, there continues to be substantial uncertainty surrounding cost estimates and other factors of importance to the patient may ultimately drive treatment decisions. The benefits of some adjuncts to the treatment of axial superficial reflux, such as the concurrent versus staged management of tributary varicosities, remain ill-defined while that of others, such as routine post-procedural ultrasound surveillance and compression, need critical re-evaluation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bootun ◽  
TRA Lane ◽  
B Dharmarajah ◽  
CS Lim ◽  
M Najem ◽  
...  

Objective Endovenous techniques are, at present, the recommended choice for truncal vein treatment. However, the thermal techniques require tumescent anaesthesia, which can be uncomfortable during administration. Non-tumescent, non-thermal techniques would, therefore, have potential benefits. This randomised controlled trial is being carried out to compare the degree of pain that patients experience while receiving mechanochemical ablation or radiofrequency ablation. The early results of this randomised controlled trial are reported here. Methods Patients attending for the treatment of primary varicose veins were randomised to receive mechanochemical ablation (ClariVein®) or radiofrequency ablation (Covidien® Venefit™). The most symptomatic limb was randomised. The primary outcome measure was intra-procedural pain using a validated visual analogue scale. The secondary outcome measures were change in quality of life and clinical scores, time to return to normal activities and work as well as the occlusion rate. Results One-hundred and nineteen patients have been randomised (60 in the mechanochemical ablation group). Baseline characteristics were similar. Maximum pain score was significantly lower in the mechanochemical ablation group (19.3 mm, standard deviation ±19 mm) compared to the radiofrequency ablation group (34.5 mm ± 23 mm; p < 0.001). Average pain score was also significantly lower in the mechanochemical ablation group (13.4 mm ± 16 mm) compared to the radiofrequency ablation group (24.4 mm ± 18 mm; p = 0.001). Sixty-six percent attended follow-up at one month, and the complete or proximal occlusion rates were 92% for both groups. At one month, the clinical and quality of life scores for both groups had similar improvements. Conclusion Early results show that the mechanochemical ablation is less painful than the radiofrequency ablation procedure. Clinical and quality of life scores were similarly improved at one month. The long-term data including occlusion rates at six months and quality of life scores are being collected.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Yaser Hamdouna ◽  

Background: CF is a chronic, multisystem genetic disease with a wide variability in clinical severity. CF is a disease of exocrine gland function that involves multiple organ systems but chiefly results in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, and associated complications in untreated patients. Many studies explained the lower QOL among adults with CF. in GS there is no previous studies concerned with measuring QOL among CF children Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the QOL among children with CF. Methodology: The study was descriptive, analytical and cross sectional studies. The study involves all 36 children with CF (less than 12 years old) who attained CF friends center; community based center in Gaza. The researchers uses the questionnaire which included demographic & illness related variables and Quality of life domains (physical, emotional, social and school). Reliability coefficient for the questionnaire was good (Cronbach alpha =0.833). Results and Conclusion: About 61% of the study population were males and 39% were females. Approximately 47% of them were less than 9 years and 53% were more than 9 years. About 41.7% of the study population from Gaza, 25.0% from middle zone, 13.9% from Rafah, 11.1% from Khanyounis and 8.3% from North of Gaza. Housing classification was 38.9%, 33.3% and 27.8 % for property house, renting house and family house respectively. Most of their parents had low educational levels and the majority of them were unemployed and have a monthly income less than 1200 NIS. About 61% of them have another sibling with CF. the majority of them receive Creon at a regular basis. The most common disease associated with them was Respiratory problem with 43.2%, 38.3% had gastrointestinal disease, 14.8% had heart disease and 3.7% had Diabetes Mellitus. The overall perception of the children regarding QOL was low (55%). The social functions was the highest (61.6%), physical functions (55.2%), school function (50.6%), and emotional function (48.8%). The result presented below show that no significant difference in QOL between socio-demographic data (p-value > 0.05) except the difference for QOL between age groups) p-value =0.001). Children older than 9 years old (2.95±0.3) have QOL more than children under nine years of age (2.53±0.4) and this difference was statistically significant as (P value = 0.02 < 0.05). It is also clear that QOL in males are more than female but this difference was not statistically significant. There is a positive correlation with a highly significant difference between QOL and the 4 domains and between domains with each other. Social performance was high correlated with school performance (r = 0.706) while the lowest correlation was between physical and school performance with no significant (p-value =0.065). Recommendations: The study recommend the importance of initiating a program to enhance the QOL for children with CF and focusing on the emotional health for those children as it was the least one perceived.


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