Cost analysis of implant-based breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix

Abstract

A comparative cost analysis of breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and traditional tissue expander-/implant-based techniques was carried out. Medicare reimbursement costs were calculated for tissue expander/implant alone (TE/I), TE/I with ADM (TE/I + ADM), and single-stage implant (SSI) with ADM (SSI + ADM). The most expensive procedure at baseline was TE/I + ADM ($11,255.78), followed by TE/I alone ($10,934.18), and SSI + ADM ($5,423.02). Incorporating the probability of complications as derived from the published literature into the cost analysis resulted in an increase in the excess cost of ADM-based procedures (TE/I + ADM, $11,829.02; TE/I, $11,238.60; SSI + ADM, $5,909.83). Although SSI + ADM have the lowest cost, not all patients are suitable candidates for this type of procedure. With increasing focus on healthcare expenditure, it is important that plastic surgeons are aware of the cost implications of using ADM products.