Whole-Body MR Imaging versus Sequential Multimodal Diagnostic Algorithm for Stagung Patients with Rectal Cancer: Cost Analysis

Huppertz A, Schmidt M, Wagner M, Püttcher O, Asbach P, Strassburg J, Stöckmann F, Schöffski O, Maurer M (2010)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2010

Journal

Röfo: Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren Georg Thieme Verlag

Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag

Book Volume: 182

Pages Range: 793-802

Journal Issue: 9

URI: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0029-1245463

DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1245463

Abstract

Purpose 

To compare the direct costs of two diagnostic algorithms for pretherapeutic TNM staging of rectal cancer. 

Materials and Methods 

In a study including 33 patients (mean age: 62.5 years), the direct fixed and variable costs of a sequential multimodal algorithm (rectoscopy, endoscopic and abdominal ultrasound, chest X-ray, thoracic/abdominal CT in the case of positive findings in abdominal ultrasound or chest X-ray) were compared to those of a novel algorithm of rectoscopy followed by MRI using a whole-body scanner. MRI included T 2w sequences of the rectum, 3D T 1w sequences of the liver and chest after bolus injection of gadoxetic acid, and delayed phases of the liver. The personnel work times, material items, and work processes were tracked to the nearest minute by interviewing those responsible for the process (surgeon, gastroenterologist, two radiologists). The costs of labor and materials were determined from personnel reimbursement data and hospital accounting records. Fixed costs were determined from vendor pricing. 

Results

The mean MRI time was 55 min. CT was performed in 19 / 33 patients (57 %) causing an additional day of hospitalization (costs 374 €). The costs for equipment and material were higher for MRI compared to sequential algorithm (equipment 116 vs. 30 €; material 159 vs. 60 € per patient). The personnel costs were markedly lower for MRI (436 vs. 732 € per patient). Altogether, the absolute cost advantage of MRI was 31.3 % (711 vs. 1035 € for sequential algorithm).

Conclusion 

Substantial savings are achievable with the use of whole-body MRI for the preoperative TNM staging of patients with rectal cancer.

Authors with CRIS profile

Oliver Schöffski Lehrstuhl für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Gesundheitsmanagement

Involved external institutions

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin DE Germany (DE) Vivantes - Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Huppertz, A., Schmidt, M., Wagner, M., Püttcher, O., Asbach, P., Strassburg, J.,... Maurer, M. (2010). Whole-Body MR Imaging versus Sequential Multimodal Diagnostic Algorithm for Stagung Patients with Rectal Cancer: Cost Analysis. Röfo: Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren, 182(9), 793-802. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1245463

MLA:

Huppertz, Alexander, et al. "Whole-Body MR Imaging versus Sequential Multimodal Diagnostic Algorithm for Stagung Patients with Rectal Cancer: Cost Analysis." Röfo: Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren 182.9 (2010): 793-802.

BibTeX: Download