Economic and clinical benefits of radiofrequency ablation versus hysterectomy in patients suffering from menorrhagia: a retrospective analysis with German health claims data

Sebastian Kessel, J. Hucke, Christoph Goergen, Ruediger Soeder, Thomas Roemer
In: Expert Review of Medical Devices · 2015 · vol. 12(3) , pp. 365–372 · doi:10.1586/17434440.2015.1015988 · PMID:25702818 · W2145947213
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This retrospective analysis of German health claims data found that radiofrequency ablation for menorrhagia generates initial cost savings compared to hysterectomy, with similar total costs over two years due to infrequent repeat interventions.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and economic benefits of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared to hysterectomy when treating patients suffering from menorrhagia. METHODS: Based on German health claims data, a retrospective, longitudinal, observational analysis was performed. Patients having continuously statutory health insurance coverage during the study and being coded for menorrhagia and a relevant treatment option were included in the analysis. The control group was created using propensity score matching. RESULTS: We discovered that using RFA generates cost savings of €1844 during the quarter of performance. As direct costs during a 2-year follow-up show similar levels in both groups, these initial savings can be preserved. This is partly because even if more patients in the RFA group were re-coded for menorrhagia after initial therapy, just a small proportion of these patients required another surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: RFA should more often be considered a relevant treatment option both from an economic and a medical point of view.

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