Economic Evaluation of 1470 nm Diode Laser Enucleation vs Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

Purpose: Large meta-analyses demonstrate the noninferiority of laser enucleation to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with regard to long-term efficacy and reoperation rate. Although the 1470 nm diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP) is superior in hemostasis and surgical visibility, its complexity and associated longer operative time limit its widespread usage. The objective of this study was to generate long-term cost estimates for bipolar TURP and DiLEP, taking into account perioperative and adverse event costs. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent DiLEP (n = 114; November 2016 to February 2020) or TURP (n = 194; January 2016 to December 2018). A decision analysis model was constructed to compare costs of the primary procedure and subsequent complications taking into account disposable costs, operating room time, length of stay, reoperation rates, and readmissions. Costs were estimated from internal data, published literature and Medicare procedure costs. Markov modeling was used to create cost projections up to 10 years. Results: DiLEP was associated with shorter length of stay and fewer total complications, but longer operative times and greater initial costs. Cost were recuperated at 8 years postoperatively. At 10 years postoperatively, DiLEP represented approximately $664 cost savings per patient over TURP. Conclusions: DiLEP is a cost-effective alternative to TURP for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the properly selected patient. DiLEP has greater initial costs due to longer operative times. Costs are recuperated by 10 years postoperatively due to higher rate of same-day discharges, and lower complication and reoperation rates, incurring a $664 cost savings per patient treated by DiLEP relative to TURP.

Can a brief assessment of social support predict outcomes after bariatric surgery?

Social support is important to optimize bariatric surgery outcomes, but limited tools exist for brief and effective assessment preoperatively. The aims of the study were to determine the extent to which two ratings of social support can predict bariatric surgery outcomes, and to examine any associations between these two methods.In this retrospective study, patients were included for whom the Cleveland clinic behavioral rating system (CCBRS) and Flanagan quality of life scale (FQoLS) scores were obtained as part of their preoperative psychosocial evaluation. They were followed up for 6 to 24 months after bariatric surgery. Linear and logistic regressions were performed with patients' CCBRS and FQoLS scores as independent variables, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL), length of stay (LOS), complications, readmissions and loss to follow-up as dependent variables. The prediction of CCBRS ratings from FQoLS social support items was also evaluated. A total of 415 patients were included in the analysis. There were significant associations between the CCBRS and three of the four relevant FQoLS self-ratings. As CCBRS and FQoLS scores increased, complications decreased significantly. The CCBRS alone additionally predicted decreased length of hospital stay and approached significance for predicting decreased readmission rates. There were no associations between %EWL and behavior ratings. The degree of patients' social support is associated with important bariatric surgery outcomes. It is possible to obtain this valuable information via the administration of brief assessments prior to bariatric surgery.