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Cost analysis of osteoradionecrosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2017

L Park*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
N Lilic
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand
B Addison
Affiliation:
Department of General Surgery, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
R Patel
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand
*
Address for correspondence: Ms Lydia Park, 7 Dexter Avenue, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand Fax: +64 9 631 0716 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective:

Osteoradionecrosis is a significant complication of head and neck cancer treatment, and its most severe form (grade III) necessitates radical surgery. This study aimed to compare the cost of free-flap reconstructive surgery for grade III osteoradionecrosis and similar non-osteoradionecrosis cases in order to assess the cost burden of osteoradionecrosis treatment.

Methods:

All patients who underwent free-flap reconstructive surgery for osteoradionecrosis between July 2004 and July 2010 at Auckland City Hospital (19 patients) were identified, and relevant data were collected retrospectively. These patients were matched in terms of age and sex with patients who underwent free-flap reconstructive surgery.

Results:

The treatment cost was 44 per cent higher in osteoradionecrosis patients when compared to non-osteoradionecrosis patients.

Conclusion:

The significant financial burden on the health system, and the growing evidence for the effectiveness of pentoxifylline, tocopherol and clodronate, should prompt us to explore this alternative treatment further.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

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