Cost-effectiveness of Management Options for Small Renal Mass: A Systematic Review.

Costs of surgery for small renal masses (SRMs) are high. This study aimed to systematically review and evaluate the cost-effectiveness analyses of management options for SRMs. Six databases were searched from inception to August 2015. Inclusion criteria were full original research, full economic evaluation of management options for SRM, and written in English. Among 776 studies screened, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Ablation was cost-effective versus nephron-sparing surgery. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was cost-effective versus the open approach. Renal mass biopsy dominated immediate treatment in the United States, but not in Canada. According to the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards, all the studies had relatively good quality. Despite the observed evidence, future research is needed to fill in the knowledge gap. A few suggestions should be kept in mind such as conducting the cost-effectiveness analysis in a variety of countries.