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Published on: May 26, 2023
Cost effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery
1Cancer Prevention Program, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North (MP-900), Seattle, WA 98109, USA. sramsey@fhcrc.org
Chest Surgery Clinics of North America
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a costly procedure for severe emphysema. Further evaluation is needed to determine its long-term cost-effectiveness before widespread insurance coverage.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Economics
- Health Policy
Background:
- Severe emphysema significantly impacts quality of life and survival.
- Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an emerging, costly intervention for severe emphysema.
- The economic implications and cost-effectiveness of LVRS require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of LVRS from economic and policy viewpoints.
- To estimate the cost-effectiveness of LVRS using data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).
- To assess the potential impact of LVRS on the national healthcare budget.
Main Methods:
- Economic and policy historical review of LVRS.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis using data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).
- Estimation of LVRS impact on national healthcare expenditures.
Main Results:
- LVRS is a high-cost procedure with uncertain long-term cost-effectiveness.
- NETT trial provides data for cost-effectiveness evaluation compared to medical management.
- Significant impact on national healthcare budget is possible with LVRS adoption.
Conclusions:
- The high cost and uncertain long-term cost-effectiveness of LVRS necessitate further evaluation.
- Coverage decisions by insurers should consider the need for additional data on LVRS.
- The potential adoption of LVRS as standard care warrants careful economic scrutiny.
