Economic Analysis Based on the Use of Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy after Postoperative Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women. Although more options are now available regarding breast reconstruction, the risk of complications (eg, infection, dehiscence, and expander exposure) is also prevalent and must be considered when choosing a reconstruction option because the cost for complications can be substantial.

Methods: A hypothetical cost model was applied to clinical outcomes of a previous retrospective study comparing the use of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) and standard of care (SOC) over breast incisions after immediate reconstruction. The adjusted complication cost for a mastectomy with reconstruction was a mean of $10,402 and was calculated using a database of inpatient, outpatient, and carrier claims.

Results: The previous retrospective study included data on 665 breasts (ciNPT = 331, SOC = 334) and 356 female patients (ciNPT = 177, SOC = 179) and reported on complication rates at the breast level: 8.5% (28/331) for the ciNPT breast group versus 15.9% (53/334) for the SOC group (P = 0.0092). In the ciNPT group, 24/177 patients (13.6%) had a complication, whereas in the SOC group, 38/179 patients (21.2%) had a complication. Based on the adjusted mean complication cost of $10,402, total complication cost for the ciNPT group was $250,000 versus $395,000 for the SOC group with a per-patient cost savings of $218.00 with ciNPT.

Conclusion: The authors' preliminary findings show potential cost savings with the use of ciNPT over breast incisions and warrant further study regarding the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT compared with standard of care after immediate breast reconstruction.