Cost minimization analysis for combinations of sampling techniques in bronchoscopy of endobronchial lesions.
BACKGROUND
The choice of sampling techniques in bronchoscopy with sampling from a visible lesion will depend on the expected diagnostic yields and the costs of the sampling techniques.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the most economical combination of sampling techniques when approaching endobronchial visible lesions.


METHODS
A cost minimization analysis was performed. All bronchoscopies from 2003 and 2004 at Haukeland university hospital, Bergen, Norway, were reviewed retrospectively for diagnostic yields. 162 patients with endobronchial disease were included. Potential sampling techniques used were biopsy, brushing, endobronchial needle aspiration (EBNA) and washings. Costs were estimated based on registration of equipment costs and personnel costs. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine threshold values.


RESULTS
The combination of biopsy, brushing and EBNA was the most economical strategy with an average cost of Euro 893 (95% CI: 657, 1336). The cost of brushing had to be below Euro 83 and it had to increase the diagnostic yield more than 2.2%, for biopsy and brushing to be more economical than biopsy alone. The combination of biopsy, brushing and EBNA was more economical than biopsy and brushing when the cost of EBNA was below Euro 205 and the increase in diagnostic yield was above 5.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
In the current study setting, biopsy, brushing and EBNA was the most economical combination of sampling techniques for endobronchial visible lesions.
Roth
Kjetil
K
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. kjetil.roth@med.uib.no
Hardie
Jon Andrew
JA
Andreassen
Alf Henrik
AH
Leh
Friedemann
F
Eagan
Tomas Mikal Lind
TM
D001706:Biopsy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage / Q000191:economics; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D002017:Budgets; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000379:methods; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods