Economic Analysis of AbClo, a Novel Abdominal Fascia Closure Device, for Patients With an Open Abdomen Following Trauma or Acute Abdominal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Open Abdomen (OA) cases represent a significant surgical and resource challenge. AbClo is a novel non-invasive abdominal fascial closure device that engages lateral components of the abdominal wall muscles to support gradual approximation of the fascia and reduce the fascial gap. The study objective was to assess the economic implications of AbClo compared to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) alone on OA management. METHODS: We conducted a cost-minimization analysis using a decision tree comparing the use of the AbClo device to NPWT alone among patients with midline laparotomy for trauma or acute abdominal surgery who were ineligible for primary fascial closure. The time horizon was limited to the length of the inpatient hospital stay, and costs were considered from the perspective of the US Medicare payer. Clinical effectiveness data for AbClo was obtained from a randomized clinical trial. Cost data was obtained from the published literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary outcome was incremental cost. RESULTS: The mean cumulative costs per patient were $76 582 for those treated with NPWT alone and $70,582 for those in the group treated with the AbClo device. Compared to NPWT alone, AbClo was associated with lower incremental costs of -$6012 (95% CI -$19 449 to +$1996). The probability that AbClo was cost-savings compared to NPWT alone was 94%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of AbClo is an economically attractive strategy for management of OA in in patients with midline laparotomy for trauma or acute abdominal surgery who were ineligible for primary fascial closure.

Return to Work and Associated Costs after Treatment for Dupuytren's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Return to work is potentially an important factor in assessing the success of treatment. However, little is known about the return to work after treatment for Dupuytren's contracture. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess return to work after limited fasciectomy and percutaneous needle fasciotomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent either a limited fasciectomy or percutaneous needle fasciotomy were invited to complete a return-to-work questionnaire at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Median time to return to work was assessed using inverted Kaplan-Meier curves, and hazard ratios were calculated with Cox regression models. Finally, a cost analysis was carried out using the human capital method to determine indirect costs associated with loss of productivity. RESULTS: The authors included 2698 patients in the study, of which 53 percent were employed at intake and included in the follow-up. After 1 year of follow-up, 90 percent of the patients had returned to work. Median time to return to work was 2 weeks after limited fasciectomy and within days after percutaneous needle fasciotomy. Furthermore, physically strenuous work, female sex, and higher age were associated with a longer time to return to work. Lost productivity per patient was estimated at €2614.43. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients returned to work after treatment for Dupuytren's disease. Return to work is much faster after percutaneous needle fasciotomy compared to limited fasciectomy. These findings can be used for more evidence-based preoperative counseling with patients with Dupuytren's disease.

The burden of productivity loss of U.S. commercially insured patients diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease undergoing collagenase versus fasciectomy treatment.

Background: We conducted a comparative assessment of the productivity loss associated with the two different treatment options for Dupuytren's disease: collagenase and fasciectomy. Methods: The retrospective claims analysis was performed using the data from IBM MarketScan® Commercial (CD) and Health and Productivity Management (HPM) Databases over five years (2012-2016). We identified two cohorts of patients who underwent either collagenase or fasciectomy in the CD. Propensity-score matched patients were linked to their productivity loss claims in the HPM database. Productivity loss measures were assessed over a 12-month follow-up period. Results: Out of 702 collagenase and 999 fasciectomy propensity score-matched patients in the CD, there were 147 collagenase and 273 fasciectomy patients in the HPM database. Over the follow-up period, collagenase-treated patients were significantly less likely to use short-term disability (STD) leave (9.7% vs. 20.2%; P = 0.009), reflecting in the lower average number of absent STD days (mean, 2.8 vs. 8.1; P = 0.002) in comparison to fasciectomy-treated. The mean indirect STD cost was considerably lower in the collagenase vs. fasciectomy group ($375 vs. $1,108; P = 0.002). Conclusion: This study indicates that collagenase vs. fasciectomy treatment may be related to a lower rate of workplace absence and lower indirect cost in a year following the treatment.

Cost-effectiveness of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture Treatment.

Importance: Owing to its tendency to recur, Dupuytren contracture often requires multiple treatments, which places additional economic burden on health care. The likelihood of contracture recurrence varies not only with treatment but also with disease characteristics, such as contracture severity and location, but prior cost-effectiveness analyses of Dupuytren contracture treatments have not considered these patient-specific disease characteristics. Objective: To identify the most cost-effective treatment regimen for patients with recurrent Dupuytren contracture. Design, Setting, and Participants: This economic evaluation was conducted with state-transition microsimulation modeling using data from published studies and Medicare. A simulated cohort of 10 000 individuals with Dupuytren contracture was created. Patients could transition yearly between the following health states: symptom-free, symptomatic, and death. Available treatments were collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), and limited fasciectomy (LF); individuals randomly chose any treatment when symptomatic. Patients were limited to 3 rounds of treatment for a contracture affecting 1 joint, totaling 27 unique combinations. If the contracture recurred after 3 treatments, patients lived with the disease for the remainder of life. Exposures: PNA, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, or LF. Main Outcomes and Measures: Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), total costs (in US dollars), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life-year was used to assess cost-effectiveness. Results: For the base case scenario of a patient aged 60 years with recurrent, low-severity metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint contracture, repeated PNA treatment was the only cost-effective treatment (2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $212 647/QALY [$36 000/QALY]). For recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures, treatment regimens composed of PNA and LF were cost-effective (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $93 932/QALY [$16 500/QALY]). LF was cost-effective for high-severity MCP joint contracture (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $98 624/QALY [$26 233/QALY]). For recurrent proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures, PNA was the only cost-effective treatment, regardless of severity (eg, 2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments for low-severity PIP joint contracture, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $263 726/QALY [$29 000/QALY]). Any combination with collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection compared with 3 PNA treatments had an ICER greater than $100 000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated a 44%, 15%, 41%, and 52% chance of a regimen consisting of only PNA being cost-effective in low-severity MCP, high-severity MCP, low-severity PIP, and high-severity PIP joint contractures, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this study suggest that LF is a cost-effective intervention for recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures. For recurrent low-severity MCP joint contractures and PIP joint contractures of all severity levels, PNA was the only cost-effective intervention. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections were not a cost-effective intervention for recurrent Dupuytren contracture and should not be preferred over PNA or LF.

Fasciectomy under local anaesthetic and adrenaline for Dupuytren's contracture in a community setting in the UK with a cost analysis.

AIMS: In the UK, fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture is generally performed under general or regional anaesthetic, with an arm tourniquet and in a hospital setting. We have changed our practice to use local anaesthetic with adrenaline, no arm tourniquet, and perform the surgery in a community setting. We present the outcome of a consecutive series of 30 patients. METHODS: Prospective data were collected for 30 patients undergoing open fasciectomy on 36 digits (six having two digits affected), over a one-year period and under the care of two surgeons. In total, 10 ml to 20 ml volume of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was used. A standard postoperative rehabilitation regime was used. Preoperative health scores, goniometer measurements of metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) contractures, and Unité Rheumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores were measured pre- and postoperatively at six and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean preoperative contractures were 35.3° (0° to 90°) at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), 32.5° (0° to 90°) at proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) (a combined deformity of 67.8°). The mean correction was 33.6° (0° to 90°) for the MCPJ and 18.2° (0° to 70°) for the PIPJ leading to a combined correction of 51.8°. There was a complete deformity correction in 21 fingers (59.5%) and partial correction in 14 digits (37.8%) with no correction in one finger. The mean residual deformities for the partial/uncorrected group were MCP 4.2° (0° to 30°), and PIP 26.1° (0° to 85°). For those achieving a full correction the mean preoperative contracture was less particularly at the PIP joint (15.45° (0° to 60°) vs 55.33° (0° to 90°)). Mean preoperative URAM scores were higher in the fully corrected group (17.4 (4 to 31) vs 14.0 (0 to 28)), but lower at three months post-surgery (0.5 (0 to 3) vs 4.40 (0 to 18)), with both groups showing improvements. Infections occurred in two patients (three digits) and both were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No other complications were noted. The estimated cost of a fasciectomy under local anaesthetic in the community was £184.82 per patient. The estimated hospital theatre costs for a fasciectomy was £1,146.62 under general anaesthetic (GA), and £1,085.30 under an axillary block. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a fasciectomy performed under local anaesthetic with adrenaline and without an arm tourniquet and in a community setting is safe, and results in favourable outcomes regarding the degree of correction of contracture achieved, functional scores, and short-term complications. Local anaesthetic fasciectomy in a community setting achieves a saving of £961.80 for a GA and £900.48 for an axillary block per case. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1354-1358.

Variation in hospital costs for gastroschisis closure techniques.

BACKGROUND: In newborns with gastroschisis, both primary repair and delayed fascial closure with initial silo placement are considered safe with similar outcomes although cost differences have not been explored. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of newborns admitted with gastroschisis at a single center from 2011 to 2016. Demographic, clinical, and cost data during the initial hospitalization were collected. Differences between procedure costs and clinical endpoints were analyzed using multivariable linear regression adjusting for prematurity, complicated gastroschisis, and performance of additional operations. RESULTS: 80 patients with gastroschisis met inclusion criteria. Rates of primary fascial, primary umbilical cord closure, and delayed closure were 14%, 65%, and 21%, respectively. Delayed closure was associated with an increase in total hospital costs by 57% compared to primary repair (p < 0.001). In addition, delayed closure was associated with increased total and NICU LOS (p < 0.05), parenteral nutrition duration (p = 0.02), ventilator days (p < 0.001), time to goal enteral feeds (p = 0.01), and all cost sub-categories except ward room costs (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Delayed fascial closure was associated with significantly greater hospital costs during the index admission.

Operative management of non-iatrogenic pediatric and adolescence peripheral arterial trauma: An experience from a resource challenged setting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluates the management and outcome of non-iatrogenic pediatric and adolescence extremity arterial injuries in a resource-challenged setting. METHODS: A retrospective study of the surgical management for non-iatrogenic extremity arterial trauma in pediatric and adolescence during the period from January 2008 to December 2015. This study was performed in two different countries at tertiary referral university and teaching hospitals having a specialized emergency and trauma centers. A thorough study of each patient record was collected from these centers including, the original demographic data and their clinical presentations. Operative data of each patient was also reported. RESULTS: During the 8-year period of the study, 149 pediatric and adolescent extremity arterial trauma patients were treated. They were 93.3% male, and 6.7% female, respectively. The age ranged from 2 to 18 years with a mean of 10.25 ± 4.05 years. Lower extremity arterial trauma was recorded in 51%, while 49% were having upper extremity injuries. Primary repair with end-to-end vascular anastomosis was performed in 51.7%, while an interposition reversed saphenous vein graft was performed in 48.3%. The operative procedures were performed by an experienced vascular surgeon and well-trained pediatric surgeons and general surgeons. Pseudoaneurysms was recorded in 9% of cases. Fasciotomy was performed in 15% of cases. CONCLUSION: Treatment of pediatric and adolescent extremity arterial injuries with primary end-to-end vascular anastomoses or with the use of an interposition reversed saphenous vein graft is a reliable, feasible, and more cost-effectiveness technique with good results. Moreover, it should be adopted for all vascular trauma patients, whenever possible.

Cost Comparison of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum and Fasciectomy for Treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture in the Australian Health System.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's disease results in contracted cords in the hand that lead to deformity and disability. Current treatment options include fasciectomy and an injectable, collagenase clostridium histolyticum. No cost comparison studies have been published within the Australian health care environment. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated for Dupuytren's disease in a major teaching hospital was undertaken to compare the costs of treatment by fasciectomy or collagenase injection. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent fasciectomy and 21 collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections were performed during the study period and were eligible for inclusion under the review criteria. Of the 39 patients, 36 were male and 3 were female with an average age 66.4 years (50-85). Twenty-five digits were treated by fasciectomy in 18 patients, and 23 digits were treated by collagenase in 21 patients. The fasciectomy group attended an average 9.2 visits (5-22), incurring an average costing of US$5738.12 per patient ($3181.18-$9618.10). The collagenase group attended an average 3.8 visits (3-8), incurring an average costing of US$2076.83 per patient ($1842.24-$3929.57). CONCLUSIONS: Collagenase treatment of Dupuytren's contracture represents a significant reduction in cost relative to fasciectomy, with 64% savings, length of follow up and number of visits. This is a similar finding to studies in other countries.

Primary Closure of Wide Fasciotomy and Surgical Wounds Using Rubber Band-Assisted External Tissue Expansion: A Simple, Safe, and Cost-effective Technique.

BACKGROUND: Although decompressive fasciotomy is a limb-saving procedure in the setting of acute compartment syndrome, it leaves a large wound defect with tissue edema and skin retraction that can preclude primary closure. Numerous techniques have been described to address the challenge of closing fasciotomy wounds. This study reports our experience with fasciotomy closure using rubber bands (RBs) for external tissue expansion. METHODS: Patients were informed about RB closure and split-thickness skin graft options. Only patients who opted for RB closure and had wounds that could not be approximated using the pinch test underwent the procedure. Starting from the apex and progressively advancing, the RBs were applied to the skin edges at 3 to 4 mm intervals using staples. The RBs were advanced by twisting back-and-forth to create a criss-cross pattern. One week after application, fasciotomy wounds were closed primarily or underwent further RB application, based on clinical assessment of adequacy of skin advancement, compartment tension, and perfusion. Review of a prospectively maintained database was performed, including demographics, comorbidities, etiology, wound and operative details, hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: Seventeen consecutive patients with 25 wounds (22 fasciotomy and 3 other surgical wounds) were treated using the RB technique. Average wound length and width measured 15.7 cm (range, 5-32 cm) and 5.2 cm (range, 1-12 cm), respectively. Locations of wounds included forearm (n = 12, 48.0%), leg (n = 7, 28.0%), hand (n = 4, 16.0%), elbow (n = 1, 4.0%), and hip (n = 1, 4.0%). Eighteen of 25 wounds (72.0%) were closed primarily after 1 RB application. Additional RB application was required for 5 wounds to achieve primary closure. Between stages, patients were discharged home if they did not have other conditions requiring in-hospital stay. No complications were observed, and no revision surgeries were required. Patient satisfaction was 100%, and all indicated that they would choose the RB technique over skin grafting. CONCLUSIONS: The modified RB technique is a simple, safe, and cost-effective alternative for treating fasciotomy and other surgical defects resulting in high patient satisfaction and good cosmetic outcome, without the need for split-thickness skin graft or flap coverage.

A feasibility study investigating the acceptability and design of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of needle fasciotomy versus limited fasciectomy for the treatment of Dupuytren's contractures of the fingers (HAND-1): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contractures are fibrous cords under the skin of the palm of the hand. The contractures are painless but cause one or more fingers to curl into the palm, resulting in loss of function. Standard treatment within the NHS is surgery to remove (fasciectomy) or divide (fasciotomy) the contractures, and the treatment offered is frequently determined by surgeon preference. This study aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a large, multicentre randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of needle fasciotomy versus limited fasciectomy for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. METHODS/DESIGN: HAND-1 is a parallel, two-arm, multicentre, randomised feasibility trial. Eligible patients aged 18 years or over who have one or more fingers with a Dupuytren's contracture of more than 30° in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, well-defined cord(s) causing contracture, and have not undergone previous surgery for Dupuytren's on the same hand will be randomised (1:1) to treatment with either needle fasciotomy or limited fasciectomy. Participants will be followed-up for up to 6 months post surgery. Feasibility outcomes include number of patients screened, consented and randomised, adherence with treatment, completion of follow-up and identification of an appropriate patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to use as primary outcome for a main trial. Embedded qualitative research, incorporating a QuinteT Recruitment Intervention, will focus on understanding and optimising the recruitment process, and exploring patients' experiences of trial participation and the interventions. DISCUSSION: This study will assess whether a large multicentre trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy for the treatment of Dupuytren's contractures is feasible, and if so will provide data to inform its design and successful conduct. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Registered Clinical/soCial sTudy Number: ISRCTN11164292 . Registered on 28 August 2015.

Dupuytren's disease: my personal view.

Dupuytren's disease is a heterogenous condition for which a palette of treatment options is required. Randomized control trial evidence is sparse; design challenges, such as validated outcome measures, blinding, equipoise, funding and assessment of recurrence, may limit further data accrual. Recurrence has different significance with different treatments and so rates are not directly comparable. The risk of any treatment is a function of both the chance of a complication and the clinical sequelae of that complication. The patient must be intimately involved in choosing treatment and is often trading rapid recovery for a higher chance of recurrence. Health economies are strained and as custodians of healthcare, surgeons should consider whether many patients even need treatment. To minimize the chance of complex, hazardous and expensive revision surgery, a low threshold for primary skin grafting should be applied, especially for those who are young, have dense disease or vulnerable genes.