A Cost-Utility Analysis of Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Men with Localized Prostate Cancer in Thailand

摘要

Objective: Robotic machines are being used with increasing frequency in the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer in Thailand. While robotics may offer some advantages, it remains unclear whether potential benefits offset higher costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare cost utility between standard and robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy from a health system perspective. Material and Method: The authors created a care pathway and a model to facilitate a comprehensive cost utility analysis. All variables used in our model were derived from our review of the literature, except for cost, utility for erectile dysfunction, and utility for urinary incontinence, which were derived from Chulalongkorn Hospital patient records. All costs described in this report are denominated in Thai baht, with a 2012 currency value. A positive margin was used to simulate the model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to estimate the robustness of the outcome.