Autologous reconstructions are associated with greater overall medium-term care costs than implant-based reconstructions in the Finnish healthcare system: A retrospective interim case-control cohort study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Autologous reconstructions are associated with greater overall medium-term care costs than implant-based reconstructions in the Finnish healthcare system: A retrospective interim case-control cohort study Via Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Sep 17:S1748-6815(21)00407-1. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.08.020. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT PURPOSE: Previous studies have mainly reported the short-term costs of different reconstruction techniques. Revision operations may increase costs in longer follow-up. Authors report medium-term data on different reconstruction methods. We hypothesised that the reconstruction method would affect not only the duration of reconstruction process but also total costs. METHODS: The reconstruction database was reviewed from 2008 to 2019. Women with autologous (deep inferior epigastric perforator, transverse musculocutaneous gracilis and latissimus dorsi [LD] without implant) and implant-based (implant and LD with implant) reconstructions were included. Variables evaluated included age, body mass index, smoking, comorbidities, radiotherapy, complications and readmissions. Risk factors for multiple revision s urgeries were analysed. Time to definitive reconstruction and related costs were also calculated. RESULTS: In total, 591 patients with autologous reconstructions and 202 with implant-based reconstructions were included. The median follow-up time was 73 months. Definitive reconstruction was obtained in 443 days in implant-based reconstructions and in 403 days in autologous reconstructions (P = 0.050). Independent risk factors for multiple surgeries were younger age (P < 0.001) and comorbidity (P = 0.008). No statistically significant difference was observed in the rate of overall surgical procedures (P = 0.098), but implant-based reconstructions were more commonly associated with two or more planned operations (P = 0.008). Autologous reconstructions were associated with greater total cost ($22 052 vs. $18 329, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This review of reconstructions over a 12-year study period revealed that autologous reconstructions are associated with greater overa ll costs, but there is no statistically significant difference in reconstruction time or rate of surgical procedures. However, a full cost assessment between reconstructive techniques requires a much longer follow-up period. PMID:34627717 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.08.020 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.