The cost-effectiveness of 10 selected applications in minimally invasive therapy

In this article, evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the following procedures is reviewed: (1) laser treatment of bladder tumors; (2) extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy; (3) laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis; (4) laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts; (5) laparoscopic cholecystectomy; (6) laparoscopic appendectomy; (7) catheter treatment of coronary artery disease; (8) palliation of colon cancer by endoscopic intervention; (9) treatment of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding by endoscopic intervention; and (10) arthroscopic knee surgery. Despite considerable potential to be effective and cost-effective, evidence is disappointingly limited in these cases. The lack of evidence hampers decision-making in this new field.