THE ECONOMIC-IMPACT OF INTRODUCING TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA - A SCENARIO ANALYSIS

The goal of this study was to assess the economic impact of introducin g transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of ben ign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Different scenarios were constructed using both randomized clinical trial data and observational data on re source use related to BPH treatments. These include a baseline scenari o, demand scenarios reflecting the number of men who will be treated b y TUMT when it is introduced, and supply scenarios reflecting the numb er of hospitals that will provide TUMT. In the baseline scenario, cost s of BPH treatment equal Netherlands guilders (NLG) 203 million. If th e demand for BPH treatment does not increase following the adoption of TUMT, costs may vary between NLG 187 and 189 million; depending on ho w TUMT is provided. If the demand increases up to 25% following the in troduction of TUMT, costs may vary between NLG 457 and 466 million, de pending on how TUMT is provided. The introduction of TUMT seems to be cost-saving, but savings depend on the number of men who seek treatmen t for BPH. There is no indication for a controlled provision.