No abstract

been cost comparisons reported between PAE and TURP, there have not been cost comparisons comparing PAE and MM. The purpose of this study was to compare the direct costs of elective PAE and MM. Materials: Previously reported costs of PAE were obtained (3) and measured against publicly accessible data for the cost of MM. Direct costs of PAE included interventional room staffing, supply costs, hospital room cost, radiology, and laboratory costs. Direct costs of MM were obtained from the Medicare.gov website by calculating the monthly cost of combination medical therapy of 5alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha androgenic antagonists, the gold standard therapy for MM of BPH. (4) The most affordable medication in each category was used. This method for obtaining and calculating medical management costs has been previously described. (5) Cost equivalence between PAE and MM was then determined using a time-based analysis to determine the duration of medical therapy at which cost equivalence with PAE was reached. Results: Total in-hospital costs for PAE was $1678.14.(3) According to the Medicare.gov website, the lowest cost for a 1-month supply of BPH combination therapy was $138, with a yearly cost of $1656. Accordingly, PAE achieved cost equivalence to MM for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH within 12.2 months of medication initiation. Conclusions: Alpha blockers used in the MM of BPH exhibit a side effect profile which include erectile dysfunction, headaches and hypotension. PAE represents a safe and effective alternative for patients who cannot tolerate such medications. PAE is also a cost effective alternative to MM, achieving cost equivalence to combination medical therapy within 12.2 months of medication initiation.