Cost analysis of microsurgical reconstruction in the head and neck

✍ Scribed by Michael J. Miller; William M. Swartz; Robert H. Miller; Joseph M. Harvey

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1991
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 406 KB
• Volume: 46
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-4790
• DOI: 10.1002/jso.2930460405

✦ Synopsis

In a cost-conscious environment. pressurc exists to justify the use 01' expensive techniques such ;is reconstructive microsurgery in head and neck patients. Therefore, the costs and effectiveness of 39 consecutive free tissue transfers in patients with head and neck defects duc to neoplasia (77'2 1, trauma (13% ). or congenital causes (loc/o were assessed by reviewing clinical and billing records. The technical success rate was 95% with a 29% rate of complications. Most patients returned to preoperative levels of social activities, and none admitted di itisfaction with their results. Average cost was $27,000 per case with I0 days of'hospitalization.

Average cost for aerodigestive tract tumors was S37.400 with 2 I days of ho5pitalization. Costs were directly related to the etiology of the defect and incidence of complications. Applying cost-effectiveness principle5 we believe that these costs are justified by the high level of patient satisfaction and enhanced quality of life.