Aggressive and complex surgery for advanced ovarian cancer: an economic analysis

In an initial cohort we demonstrated that aggressive surgery correlates with improved survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer yet the economic implications of maximal surgical efforts are unknown.

To evaluate inpatient costs, survival, and cost-effectiveness of alternative primary surgical approaches among advanced ovarian cancer patients.

All patients with a diagnosis of stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer between 1994 and 2003 were identified and classified by surgical complexity score (SCS) (1=simple, 2=intermediate, and 3=complex). We used clinical and administrative data to estimate costs associated with inpatient stay, survival, and the 5-year cost-effectiveness of complex vs. simple surgery measured in costs per life-year gained.

486 consecutive patients were identified of whom 28%, 50%, and 22% were classified as SCS 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival differed by SCS group (p<0.001) with an average survival gain of 1.32 years with complex vs. simple surgery (SCS group 3 vs. 1). Inpatient costs significantly differed between SCS groups (mean costs SCS 1: $21,914; SCS 2: $27,408; SCS 3: $33,678; p<0.001). Analyses suggest incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $4950 and $8912 per life-year gained, comparing SCS groups 2 vs. 1 and 3 vs. 1 respectively.

Complex surgery for ovarian cancer cytoreduction carries a survival benefit at increased direct medical cost. However, preliminary cost-effectiveness results suggest complex surgery provides good value for money spent. Future research on the cost and quality of life implications of surgical morbidity during follow-up is warranted to formally assess the cost-effectiveness of complex vs. simple surgical procedures.