Introduction and Objective:

The advent of new technologies leads to controversies regarding the spectrum of their applications and their cost. The cost of these technologies plays a very important role when making therapeutic decisions. Therefore, we consider it relevant to estimate the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotomy compared with flexible retrograde holmium laser nephrolithotomy in patients with kidney stones of 20 mm to 30 mm in Colombia.

Materials and Methods:

Through the development of a decision tree model using the Treeage (TreeAge Software, LLC, Williamstown, MA, US) software, we compared percutaneous nephrolithotomy with flexible holmium laser retrograde nephrolithotomy in patients with kidney stones of 20 mm to 30 mm. The perspective was that of the third payer, and all direct costs were included. The figures were expressed in terms of 2018 Colombian pesos. Clinical improvement, which was defined as a stone-free patient, was the outcome unit. We extracted data on effectiveness and safety through a systematic review of the literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated.

Results:

In terms of cost-effectiveness the final model indicates that percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be considered the best alternative. These findings were sensitive to the probability of clinical improvement of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Conclusion:

Taking into account the economic variables, the assumptions of the model, and through the perspective of the third payer, percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of patients with kidney stones of 20 mm to 30mm is cost-effective in our country. These findings were sensitive to the costs and effectiveness of the surgical procedures.

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