Cost effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a costly new procedure that could influence quality of life and survival for persons who have severe emphysema. This article reviews the history of LVRS from an economic and policy perspective and provides estimates of the cost effectiveness of LVRS derived from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial, a recently completed multicenter evaluation of LVRS, compared with medical care. Estimates of the potential impact of LVRS on the national health care budget are provided. The high cost and uncertainty regarding the long-term cost effectiveness of LVRS warrant further evaluation after public and private health insurers make coverage decisions for this procedure, particularly if it is adopted as part of the standard of care.