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Cost analysis of osteoradionecrosis.
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,North Shore Hospital,Auckland,New Zealand.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|January 27, 2017
Summary
Treating severe osteoradionecrosis with free-flap surgery costs 44% more than similar reconstructions. This highlights the financial burden of osteoradionecrosis and suggests exploring alternative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oncology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe complication following head and neck cancer treatment.
- Grade III ORN often requires extensive surgical intervention, including free-flap reconstruction.
- The economic impact of ORN treatment is a critical consideration for healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the treatment costs of free-flap reconstructive surgery for grade III osteoradionecrosis versus non-osteoradionecrosis cases.
- To quantify the additional cost burden associated with osteoradionecrosis treatment.
- To inform healthcare policy and treatment strategies for ORN.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing free-flap reconstruction at Auckland City Hospital (July 2004 - July 2010).
- Inclusion of 19 patients with osteoradionecrosis.
- Matching of ORN patients with non-ORN controls based on age and sex.
Main Results:
- Free-flap reconstructive surgery for osteoradionecrosis was 44% more expensive compared to non-osteoradionecrosis cases.
- This indicates a substantial financial burden imposed by osteoradionecrosis on healthcare resources.
Conclusions:
- Osteoradionecrosis treatment presents a significant financial challenge to the healthcare system.
- Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of alternative treatments like pentoxifylline, tocopherol, and clodronate.
- Further investigation into these alternative therapies is warranted to mitigate the costs associated with ORN.
