Cost‐effectiveness analysis of sacral nerve stimulation as treatment for severe irritable bowel syndrome

Aim Early results from sacral nerve stimulation ( SNS ) for severe irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ) are promising but estimates of cost‐effectiveness are lacking. Our object was to perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis for SNS as an alternative to no treatment of IBS . Method This retrospective analysis was based on the results from a randomized controlled crossover study with a cost‐utility analysis performed on patient‐level data and modelling of censored data over a projected period of time of up to 20 years. The analysis was conducted on an intention‐to‐treat approach. For estimation of the uncertainty of the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio a bias corrected bootstrap analysis was performed. Results Cost‐effectiveness was not reached for 4 years after permanent implantation (£31 270 per quality‐adjusted life years), which was the upper limit for patient follow‐up, but our data imply a cost‐effectiveness from a 7‐year perspective onwards. Conclusion The study indicates the SNS treatment for IBS is cost effective from a 7‐year perspective onwards.