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Published on: March 7, 2011
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Cost-effectiveness analysis: percutaneous microwave ablation vs robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for small renal
Clinton Yeaman1, Rebecca Marchant2, Jennifer M Lobo3,4
1Department of Urology, UVA Medical Center, University of Virginia, Fontaine Research Park, 500 Ray C. Hunt Drive, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA. cy5eb@virginia.edu.
Abdominal Radiology (New York)
|October 9, 2022
Summary
Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) is more cost-effective for treating small renal masses (SRMs) than robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RA-PN). MWA offers better outcomes at a lower cost, making it the preferred treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Small renal masses (SRMs) (<4 cm) are common diagnoses.
- Current cost-effectiveness studies for SRM management lag behind technological advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RA-PN) for SRM treatment.
Main Methods:
- A decision analytic Markov model was developed using TreeAge.
- Inputs included costs, health utilities, complication/recurrence probabilities, a $100,000 willingness-to-pay threshold, and a lifetime horizon.
- Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Percutaneous MWA dominated RA-PN, yielding higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a lower cost.
- MWA had a mean cost of $8,507 and 12.51 QALYs; RA-PN cost $21,521 with 12.43 QALYs.
- MWA's cost-effectiveness advantage was robust across sensitivity analyses, with patient age and RA-PN cost being most impactful.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous MWA is a more cost-effective treatment for SRMs compared to RA-PN.
- MWA accounts for complication and recurrence risks, offering a superior value proposition.
