Cost-effectiveness of quality improvement intervention to reduce time between CT-detection and ureteroscopic laser fragmentation in acute symptomatic ureteric stones management

Journal article

Objective: To prospectively assess clinical and cost effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopic laser fragmentation of urinary stones causing symptoms or obstruction. Patients and methods: 100 consecutive patients with an average (median) age 55.6 (57.5) years and average (median) stone size of 8.2 mm (± 7 mm) between October 2018 and December 2021 who underwent emergency ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation formed the study cohort as part of a clinical service quality improvement. Primary outcome was single procedure stone-free rate and cost-effectiveness. The secondary outcomes were complications, re-admission and re-intervention. A decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of emergency ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (EUL) and emergency temporary stenting followed by delayed ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (DUL) using our results and success rates for modelling. Results: Single procedure stone-free rates (SFR) for EUL and DUL were 85%. The re-intervention rate, re-admission and complication rates of the study cohort (EUL) were 9%, 18%, and 4%, respectively, compared to 15%, 20%, and 5%, respectively for the control cohort (DUL). The decision analysis modelling demonstrated that the EUL treatment option was more cost-efficient, averting £2868 (€3260) per patient for the UK health sector. Total cost of delayed intervention was £7783 (€8847) for DUL in contrast to £4915 (€5580) for EUL. Conclusions: Implementation of quality improvement project based on a reduction in CT detection-to-laser fragmentation time interval in acute ureteric obstruction or symptoms caused by stones had similar clinical effectiveness compared to delayed ureteroscopic management, but more cost-effective.

Authors: Khopekar, F; Nabi, S; Shiva, M; Stewart, M; Rajendran, B

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: World Journal of Urology
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 1
• Article number: 144
• Publication date: 2024-03-13
• Acceptance date: 2023-07-25
• DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04694-4
• EISSN: 1433-8726
• ISSN: 0724-4983
• Language: English
• Keywords: Stent; Ureteroscopy; Cost effectiveness; Laser; Stone fragmentation