Cost-effectiveness of n-buthyl-cyanoacrylate for mesh fixation in inguinal hernioplasty under the perspective of Supplementary Healthcare in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for mesh fixation in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair by open or laparoscopic methods, from the perspective of the Brazilian supplementary health sector. Methods: A decision model was developed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in time horizon of one year after surgery with the use of synthetic adhesive versus traditional fixation techniques (suture and staples). Alternatively, the use of NBCA was compared to the fibrin glue. Clinical outcomes applied to the model were inciden ce of acute and chronic pain. The estimation of total direct medical costs for surgical approach and pain therapy was developed based on experts’ opinions and collected from secondary databases. Results: The ICER obtained through the model indicated substantial savings of financial resources related to the use of NBCA of approximately 2,800 BRL per procedure after laparoscopic repair and 60 BRL per procedure for open repair, results primarily due to the lower tendency of pain (incremental effectiveness of 21.74% in terms of avoided pain) versus traditional fixation methods. In the alternative scenario, which compared NBCA with biological glue (fibrin glue), it was achieved financial savings, with statistically equivalent level of effectiveness among the comparators. Conclusion: The use of NBCA for mesh fixation in inguinal hernia repair surgery is a safe, effective and feasible alternative from an economic point of view, when compared to both traditional fixation techniques as the biological glue.