ECONOMICS OF TRANSURETHRAL THERMOTHERAPY OF THE PROSTATE

Costs of BPH management is increasing dramatically and may represent a s much as 1% of total National Health Service expenditure. It is impor tant to offer the patients effeective treatment and to offer the socie ty cost-effective treatment. The ideal cost-effectiveness or cost-util ity analysis includes not only evaluation of outcome but also socioeco nomic and intangible costs (''quality of life'' costs). Studies on eco nomics of the newer less invasive treatment modalities for BPH such as transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT) are scar ce. Parameters important in the consideration of economy in TUMT are c apital and disposable costs, retreatment rate and discount percentage. More studies are needed to make precise cost estimations for TUMT, bu t at present, TUMT seems comparable to TURF in cost-effectiveness.