4.5 Article

Reconstruction After Salvage Total Laryngectomy: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis

Journal

OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
Volume 164, Issue 1, Pages 139-145

Publisher

WILEY
DOI: 10.1177/0194599820936264

Keywords

epidemiology; outcomes research; free flaps; head and neck cancer; head and neck surgery; health economics; health policy; microvascular; quality of life; reconstructive surgery

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This cost-effectiveness analysis compared reconstruction methods after salvage total laryngectomy, revealing primary closure as the most cost-effective choice. However, conclusions were sensitive to the health utilities of each reconstruction method, highlighting the importance of careful consideration when advising patients on their options.
Objective To determine the most cost-effective reconstruction method after salvage total laryngectomy. Study Design Cost-effectiveness analysis Setting Tertiary care hospitals with head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeons. Subjects and Methods We constructed a Markov-based decision model to compare reconstruction by primary closure to pectoralis flap and free flap after salvage total laryngectomy. The model simulated disease with transition probabilities and health utilities found in primary literature and estimated the average overall cost of each reconstructive method using Medicare billing codes. Effectiveness was compared using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to scrutinize the conclusions of our model. Reconstruction methods were compared using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). In the United States, less than $150,000 per QALY gained is considered cost-effective (2019 US dollars). Results Our base case analysis revealed that primary closure was less expensive ($44,370) and yielded more QALYs (0.91) than both pectoralis ($45,163, 0.81 QALYs) and free flap ($46,244, 0.85 QALYs), making it the most cost-effective option. Between flaps, free flap was cost-effective over pectoralis flap (ICER = $27,025/QALY gained). Sensitivity analyses showed primary closure as cost-effective 69% of the time over either flap. These conclusions were sensitive to the health utilities (quality of life) of each method of reconstruction. Conclusion Tissue flaps to augment closure after salvage total laryngectomy are not always the most cost-effective reconstructive option. The long-term morbidity of flap surgery oftentimes outweighs the benefit of lowering fistula rates after surgery. Careful consideration must be taken when advising patients of their reconstructive options.

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