A multicenter health economic analysis of two surgical modalities for the treatment of uterine fibroids:uterine artery embolization and open myomectomy

Liu Shuyi; Zhai Baocheng; Jin Yong

Abstract：Objective Uterine artery embolization(UAE)and abdominal myomectomy(AM)are common surgical methods for treating uterine fibroids.This study aims to compare the healthcare economic differences between the two treatment modalities for uterine fibroids.Methods A retrospective collection of medical costs and quality of life data from patients undergoing UAE or AM for uterine fibroids at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University,Lianyungang First People's Hospital,and Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 2019 to 2023 was conducted.Healthcare economic analyses were performed using cost analysis and health output analysis methods.Results A total of 233 patients were included.The analysis of direct medical costs showed that the UAE group had significantly higher direct medical costs compared to the AM group(P<0.001).In terms of direct non-medical costs,productivity loss was significantly higher in the UAE group compared to the AM group(P<0.001).Additionally,absenteeism costs,nursing costs,and nutritional costs were all significantly lower in the UAE group than in the AM group(P<0.001).The utility cost analysis indicated that the quality-adjusted life years(QALYs)for the UAE group were significantly higher than those for the AM group(0.20±0.21 vs.0.09±0.13,P<0.001).Conclusion Considering surgical efficacy,economic costs,and cost-effectiveness,UAE demonstrates better cost-effectiveness than AM for the treatment of uterine fibroids.