Cost-Utility Analysis of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PURPOSE: To perform a post hoc cost-utility analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cost-utility analysis over a 5-year period to compare PAE versus TURP from a Spanish National Health System perspective. Data were collected from a randomized clinical trial performed at a single institution. Effectiveness was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was derived from the cost and QALY values associated with these treatments. Further sensitivity analysis was performed to account for the impact of reintervention on the cost-effectiveness of both procedures. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up, PAE resulted in mean cost per patient of €2904.68 and outcome of 0.975 QALYs per treatment. In comparison, TURP had cost €3846.72 per patient and its outcome was 0.953 QALYs per treatment. At 5 years, the cost for PAE and TURP were €4117.13 and €4297.58, and the mean QALY outcome was 4.572 and 4.487, respectively. Analysis revealed an ICER of €2121.15 saved per QALY gained when comparing PAE to TURP at long-term follow-up. Reintervention rate for PAE and TURP was 12% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to TURP, in short term, PAE could be considered a cost-effective strategy within the Spanish healthcare system for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, in long term, the superiority is less apparent due to higher reintervention rates.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) Using Polyethylene Glycol Microspheres: Safety and Efficacy in 81 Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) using polyethylene glycol microspheres (PEGM) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentric prospective study enrolled 81 patients who underwent PAE with 400 ± 75 µm PEGM (HydroPearl®, Terumo, Japan). Results from baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups were assessed for subjective outcomes including International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), Quality of life (QoL), and International Index of Erectile Function, and objective outcomes such as peak urinary flow (Qmax) and post-void residual volume (PVR). The visual analogue scale, satisfaction questionnaire, prostatic volume, and prostatic specific antigen levels were also evaluated. Complications were documented using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 78.5% of patients. Before PAE, 54.3% of patients had an indwelling catheter which was removed in 75% of them after procedure. A statistically significant decrease was observed in IPSS and QoL from baseline to 12 months (20.14 vs 5.89; 4.8 vs 0.63, P < .01), respectively. Objective outcomes also showed a statistically significant improvement in Qmax (+ 114.9%; P < .01), achieving a maximum urinary flow of 14.2 mL/sec, and PVR (decrease 58%; P < .05) at 12 months. Minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grades I-II) occurred in 13.6% of patients, without major complications observed. CONCLUSION: PAE with PEGM is safe and effective treatment in patients with symptomatic BPH, with a significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes.

Prostatic Artery Embolization Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: A Post Hoc Cost Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To perform a post hoc analysis of patient-incurred costs in a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients older than 60 years with indication of TURP were randomized to PAE or TURP procedure. After intervention and hospital discharge, patients were follow-up during 12 months The associated patient costs were categorized according to the study period: pre-intervention, intervention, hospitalization, and follow-up. Several items for both groups were analyzed within each study period. RESULTS: The mean total costs per patient were lower for PAE (€ 3,192.87) than for TURP (€ 3,974.57), with this difference of € 781.70 being significant (p = 0.026). For most evaluated items, the mean costs were significantly higher for TURP. No significant differences were observed in the mean costs of PAE (€ 1,468.00) and TURP (€ 1,684.25) procedures (p = 0.061). However, the histopathology analysis, recovery room stay, and intraoperative laboratory analysis increased the interventional costs for TURP (€ 1,999.70) compared with PAE (€ 1,468.00) (p < 0.001). No cost differences were observed between PAE (€ 725.26) and TURP (€ 556.22) during the 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.605). None of patients required a repeat intervention during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the short-term follow-up, PAE was associated with significantly lower costs compared with TURP. Future investigations in the context of routine clinical practice should be aimed at comparing the long-term effectiveness of both procedures and determining their cost-effectiveness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1 (a-c).

[Analysis of the impact on the overall survival of laparoscopic Vs open nephroureterectomy in locally advanced upper tract urinary tumors (pT3-pT4).] / Análisis del impacto en la supervivencia global de la nefroureterectomía laparoscópica vs abierta en los tumores del tracto urinario superior localmente avanzados (pT3-pT4).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact onoverall survival (OS) of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) vs open nephroureterectomy (ONU) in patients with locally advanced upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC) (pT3-pT4). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients underwent LNU/ONU at our institution between March 2001 and August 2016 (36 ONU and 30 LNU) with confirmed UTTCC diagnosis. Demographic, histological and survival variables were extracted. The statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Exact Ficher test,log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The median time of follow-up was 14.3 months (Q1-Q3 6.6, 38.8). No differences were found between both groups in terms of demographic or pathology variables. The median survival time was 11.6 months (IQR 5.0- 18.2) in the ONU group and 33.8 months (IQR 2.5-65.2) in the LNU group. The 5y OS rate was 14% in the ONU group and 37% in the LNUgroup. Surgical approach, ASA or pT and the multifocality showed a statistically significant association with OS. CONCLUSION: Our study shows an association between the surgical approach and OS, with increased mortality associated to the ONU.

OBJETIVO: Comparar el impacto en la supervivencia global (SG) de la nefroureterectomía laparoscópica (NUL) Vs Nefroureterectomía abierta (NUA) en pacientes afectados de carcinoma urotelial del tracto urinario superior (CUTUS) localmente avanzado (pT3-pT4).MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 66 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro entre marzo de 2001 y agosto de 2016 (36 NUA y 30 NUL) y con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de CUTUS. Se recogieron variables demográficas, histológicas y de supervivencia. El análisis estadístico se realizó empleando los test chi-cuadrado, test exacto de Ficher, log-rank test y análisis de regresión de Cox. RESULTADOS: El tiempo mediano de seguimiento fuede 14,3 meses (Q1-Q3: 6,6-38,8). No se encontraron diferencias entre ambos grupos en cuanto a las variables demográficas ni anatomopatológicas. El tiempo mediano de supervivencia fue de 11,6 meses (Q1-Q3:5,0-18,2) en el grupo NUA y de 33,8 meses (Q1-Q3:2,5-65,2) en el grupo NUL. La tasa de supervivencia global estimada a 5 años fue de 14% en el grupo NUA y de 37% en el grupo NUL. El tipo de abordaje quirúrgico,la clasificación de riesgo anestésico de la American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), el estadío local (pT) y la multifocalidad mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la SG.CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestro estudio muestra una asociación entre el abordaje quirúrgico y la SG, con una mayor mortalidad asociada al abordaje convencional.

Complications after prostate biopsies in men on active surveillance and its effects on receiving further biopsies in the Prostate cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk of serial prostate biopsies on complications in men on active surveillance (AS) and determine the effect of complications on receiving further biopsies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the global Prostate cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study, men are prospectively followed on AS and repeat prostate biopsies are scheduled at 1, 4, and 7 years after the diagnostic biopsy, or once yearly if prostate-specific antigen-doubling time is <10 years. Data on complications after biopsy, including infection, haematuria, haematospermia, and pain, were retrospectively collected for all biopsies taken during follow-up in men from several large participating centres. Generalised estimating equations were used to test predictors of infection after biopsy. Competing risk analysis was used to compare the rates of men receiving further biopsies between men with and without previous complications. RESULTS: In all, 2 184 biopsies were taken in 1 164 men. Infection was reported after 55 biopsies (2.5%), and one in five men reported any form of complication. At multivariable analysis, the number of previous biopsies was not a significant predictor of infection (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.76-1.43). The only significant predictor for infection was the type of prophylaxis used. Of all men with a complication at the diagnostic or first repeat biopsy, 21% did not have a repeat biopsy at the time a repeat biopsy was scheduled according to protocol, vs 12% for men without a previous biopsy complication. CONCLUSION: In our present cohort of men on AS, we found no evidence that repeat prostate biopsy in itself posed a risk of infection. However, complications after biopsy were not uncommon and after a complication men were less likely to have further biopsies. We should aim to safely reduce the amount of repeat biopsies in men on AS.

Economic impact of tension-free vaginal tape surgery for urinary incontinence in an ambulatory regimen compared with hospital admission: a study of the minimization of costs of a public hospital in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost per patient of a tension-free vaginal tape procedure involving major ambulatory surgery (MAS) compared with inpatient surgery in 2002 and 2003, and to analyse the medical care given following each procedure in a public hospital in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method used was activity-based costing, which involves designing a protocol of processes of caring for the patient with the help of professionals and subsequently calculating the cost of each process; this system was applied retrospectively to patients cared for in 2002 and 2003. In addition, the clinical histories of these patients were reviewed in order to evaluate complementary care given by the emergency service and admissions to hospital immediately following surgery. The relation between these events and each sample group was analysed by means of a non-parametric test and CIs for a 95% level of significance were obtained in order to make the calculations more robust. RESULTS: The mean cost for the patients in the ambulatory group was 42.43% lower than that for the hospitalized patients. Whereas 5.5% of the ambulatory patients subsequently required admission and a further 7.3% required complementary medical care, 19.2% of the patients who had been hospitalized for the surgery required complementary medical care and 1.4% were readmitted after intervention. In spite of these results, there was no dependence between these variables according to the chi(2) test. CONCLUSION: MAS produced better results in terms of minimizing costs; under our conditions it was less costly but was of equal efficacy to the surgical intervention.