Prostatic Artery Embolization Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: A Post Hoc Cost Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose To perform a post hoc analysis of patient-incurred costs in a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Materials and Methods Patients older than 60 years with indication of TURP were randomized to PAE or TURP procedure. After intervention and hospital discharge, patients were follow-up during 12 months The associated patient costs were categorized according to the study period: pre-intervention, intervention, hospitalization, and follow-up. Several items for both groups were analyzed within each study period. Results The mean total costs per patient were lower for PAE (euro 3,192.87) than for TURP (euro 3,974.57), with this difference of euro 781.70 being significant (p = 0.026). For most evaluated items, the mean costs were significantly higher for TURP. No significant differences were observed in the mean costs of PAE (euro 1,468.00) and TURP (euro 1,684.25) procedures (p = 0.061). However, the histopathology analysis, recovery room stay, and intraoperative laboratory analysis increased the interventional costs for TURP (euro 1,999.70) compared with PAE (euro 1,468.00) (p < 0.001). No cost differences were observed between PAE (euro 725.26) and TURP (euro 556.22) during the 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.605). None of patients required a repeat intervention during the study period. Conclusions Considering the short-term follow-up, PAE was associated with significantly lower costs compared with TURP. Future investigations in the context of routine clinical practice should be aimed at comparing the long-term effectiveness of both procedures and determining their cost-effectiveness. Level of evidence: Level 1 (a-c)