A cost analysis of Nd:YAG laser ablation versus endoscopic intubation for the palliation of malignant dysphagia.

Although endoscopic intubation is the mainstay of non-surgical palliation of malignant dysphagia, Nd:YAG laser ablation has been shown to provide good palliation with few complications. The study reported here incorporates data from published and unpublished sources into a cost model which estimates the lifetime cost of palliation with the two therapies. It is estimated that, depending on the assumptions used, laser palliation costs between 153 pounds and 710 pounds more per patient than endoscopic intubation. Sensitivity analysis is used to assess whether variation in clinical practice and in the unit costs of resources will change the conclusions of the study. This indicates that, under most alternative sets of assumptions, intubation retains its cost advantage. However, factors that might reduce, or even eliminate, this cost differential include undertaking more laser procedures as day-cases, using more expensive expanding metal stents for intubation and reducing the need for follow-up laser procedures with palliative radiotherapy.