Mr. Fraundorfer et al., Holmium laser resection of the prostate is more cost effective than transurethral resection of the prostate: Results of a randomized prospective study, UROLOGY, 57(3), 2001, pp. 454-458
Objectives. A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out comparing electro
surgical transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with holmium:yttriu
m-aluminum-garnet laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP).
Methods. One hundred twenty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and
urodynamically proved obstruction were randomized to undergo either TURF or
HoLRP. Economic and clinical outcome data were recorded prospectively out
to I year postoperatively.
Results. The HoLRP group experienced fewer complications and had a shorter
hospital stay and catheterization time than the TURF group, with equivalent
clinical outcomes at 12 months. HoLRP cost 24.5% less (New Zealand dollars
$651) than TURF during the first year.
Conclusions. Because the clinical outcomes out to 1 year were equivalent, H
oLRP was more cost-effective than TURF. On the basis of these savings, a mi
nimum of 93 cases per year are required to recover the capital and service
costs of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. UROLOGY 57: 454-458, 20
01. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.