Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
106.6K
Cost-Effectiveness of Free Tissue Transfer for Unilateral Facial Paralysis
Rema Shah1, Sidharth Tyagi2, Muhammad Munshi1
1Division of Otolaryngology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Free tissue transfer surgery for chronic facial paralysis is cost-effective. This surgical approach offers improved quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to no intervention, justifying its cost.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Health Economics
- Facial Reanimation
Background:
- Chronic facial paralysis significantly impacts quality of life.
- Treatment options aim to restore facial function and improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of single-stage free tissue transfer for chronic facial paralysis.
- Comparison against non-surgical management (no intervention).
Main Methods:
- Literature review for health utility values, costs, and success rates.
- Decision tree modeling and Monte Carlo simulation for cost-effectiveness analysis.
- Sensitivity analysis to assess parameter variations.
Main Results:
- Free tissue transfer incurs an additional cost of $141,277 but yields 2.49 additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is $56,737.80 per QALY.
- Surgery remains cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds of $100,000 and $150,000.
Conclusions:
- Single-stage free tissue transfer is a cost-effective treatment for chronic facial paralysis.
- Despite potential risks and imperfect success rates, the benefits outweigh the costs.
- This surgical technique offers significant value in improving patient quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Cell Migration
Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
02:39Gene Flow
Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
01:24Protein Diffusion in the Membrane
Proteins show rotational as well as lateral diffusion across the membrane. The lateral diffusion of proteins was confirmed through the cell fusion experiment where mouse and human cells were fused, resulting in hybrid cells. When the human and mouse cells fused, the specific membrane proteins on human and mouse cells were marked with the red and green-fluorescent markers, respectively. Initially, the red and green fluorescence was located on the respective hemisphere of the cell. As time...
01:19Cell Migration
Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
01:19Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters
Enzymes like flippase, floppase, and scramblase transfer phospholipids from one layer to another in the membrane, thereby affecting membrane asymmetry.
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
01:28Capillary Exchange
The cardiovascular system's chief role is to disseminate gases, nutrients, waste, and other substances to the body's cells. Small molecules like gases, lipids, and lipid-soluble substances directly diffuse through capillary wall endothelial cell membranes. Glucose, amino acids, and ions, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, use transporters for facilitated diffusion via membrane-specific channels. Glucose, ions, and bigger molecules may also pass through intercellular clefts.