Cost Efficacy of Metal Stents for Palliation of Extrahepatic Bile Duct Obstruction in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Daisy Walter, Petra G A van Boeckel, Marcel J Groenen, Bas L A M Weusten, Ben J Witteman, Gi Tan, Menno A Brink, Jan Nicolai, Adriaan C Tan, Joyce Alderliesten, Niels G Venneman, Wim Laleman, Jeroen M Jansen, Alexander Bodelier, Frank L Wolters, Laurens A van der Waaij, Ronald Breumelhof, Frank T M Peters, Robbert C H Scheffer, Max LeendersMeike M C Hirdes, E W Steyerberg, Frank P Vleggaar, Peter D Siersema

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: & Aims: Endoscopic stents are placed for palliation of extra-hepatic bile duct obstruction. Although self-expandable metals stents (SEMS) remain patent longer than plastic stents, they are more expensive. We aimed to evaluate which type of stent (plastic, uncovered [uSEMS], or partially covered [pcSEMS]), is most effective and assessed costs.

    METHODS: We performed a multi-center randomized trial in 219 patients at 18 hospitals in the Netherlands from February 2008 through February 2013. Patients were randomly assigned for placement of a plastic stent (n=73), uSEMS (n=75), or pcSEMS (n=71) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients were followed for up to 1 y. Researchers were not blinded to groups. The main study endpoints included functional stent time and costs.

    RESULTS: The mean functional stent times were 172 days for plastic stents, 288 days for uSEMS, and 299 days for pcSEMS (P<.005 for uSEMS and pSEMS vs plastic). Initial placement of plastic stents (€1042 or $1106) cost significantly less than of SEMS (€1973 or $2094) (P=.001). However, the total cost per patient at the end of the follow-up period did not differ significantly between plastic stents (€7320 or $7770) and SEMS (€6932 or $7356) (P=.61). Furthermore, in patients with short survival times (≤3 months) or metastatic disease, total cost per patient did not differ between plastic stents and SEMS. No differences in costs were found between pcSEMS and uSEMS.

    CONCLUSION: Although placement of SEMS (uncovered or partially covered) for palliation of extra-hepatic bile duct obstruction is initially more expensive than placement of plastic stents, SEMS have longer functional time. Total costs after 1 y do not differ significantly with stent type. Dutch Clinical Trial Registration no: NTR1361.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalGastroenterology
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

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