Cost-effectiveness of laser ablation of the prostate. Premature evaluation.
A cost-effectiveness study compared visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) with transurethral resection (TURP). Achieving equivalent outcomes, VLAP was more expensive than TURP. The result was sensitive to various assumptions, suggesting that VLAP might prove to be the preferred technology. Problems inherent in economic evaluation of emerging technologies are discussed.
Jackson
T
T
St. Vincent's Hospital.
Street
A
A
Costello
A
A
Crowe
H
H
D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000191:economics*; D014739:Victoria