Open AccessCost‐effectiveness of treatments for superficial venous reflux in patients with chronic venous ulceration
Author(s) -
Epstein D.,
Gohel M.,
Heatley F.,
Davies A. H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
bjs open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.974
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2474-9842
DOI - 10.1002/bjs5.56
Subject(s) - medicine , sclerotherapy , randomized controlled trial , varicose veins , surgery , quality of life (healthcare) , cost effectiveness analysis , chronic venous insufficiency , cost effectiveness , population , physical therapy , nursing , environmental health , risk analysis (engineering)
Background Venous leg ulcers impair quality of life significantly, with substantial costs to health services. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of interventional procedures alongside compression therapy versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulceration. Methods A Markov decision analytical model was developed. The main outcome measures were quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and lifetime costs per patient, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service at 2015 prices. Resource use included the initial procedures, compression therapy, primary care and outpatient consultations. The interventional procedures included superficial venous surgery, endothermal ablation and ultrasound‐guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). The study population was patients with a chronic venous ulcer who were eligible for either compression therapy or an interventional procedure. Data were obtained from systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs. Results Surgery gained 0·112 (95 per cent c.i. −0·011 to 0·213) QALYs compared with compression therapy alone, with a difference in lifetime costs of €−1330 (−3570 to 1262). Given the expected savings in community care, the procedure would pay for itself within 4 years. There was insufficient evidence regarding endothermal ablation and UGFS to draw conclusions. Discussion This modelling study found surgery to be more effective and less costly than compression therapy alone. Further RCT evidence is required for both endothermal ablation and UGFS.