Summary
Purpose
The effects of reduction mammaplasty (RM) have been proved in several randomised trials.
However, publications regarding cost utility are infrequent and lacking with regard
to medium-term follow-up. Therefore, we decided to assess the cost utility of RM at
2–5 years’ follow-up, when later costs and possible re-operations have been incurred.
Methods
A total of 73 patients had bilateral RM between January 2005 and March 2007 in the
Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland. Health-related quality of life
was measured with the 15D. Preoperative data were collected with an interview at an
appointment and follow-up data by means of a postal survey. Direct hospital costs
were obtained from the Ecomed® clinical patient administration database (Datawell Ltd., Espoo, Finland).
Results
A total of 62 (85%) patients agreed to participate in the study and returned the follow-up
questionnaire. The mean follow-up time was 4.0 years (SD 0.53, range 2.3–4.6 years).
The mean improvement in the 15D score change was 0.083 (SD 0.081). The mean number
of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained was 3.052 (SD 3.167, range 2.561–17.553).
The mean hospital costs of the intervention were €3601 (SD 1321), and the mean cost
per QALY gained was €1180. Roughly 76% of the costs were due to the hospital stay
during the operation. Eight percent of the costs were incurred more than 6 months
after the hospital stay.
Conclusions
The cost per QALY gained by RM is low, even when considering later costs caused by
possible re-operations, and compares favourably with a number of other surgical procedures.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 29, 2011
Accepted:
July 22,
2011
Received:
March 24,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
