Combining vascularized lymph node transfer with autologous breast reconstruction: a Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database cost-utility analysis

BACKGROUND: The cost effectiveness of combining vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) with autologous breast reconstruction has not been established. Herein we describe the use of Markov modeling to evaluate the cost utility of VLNT with delayed autologous breast reconstruction for patients with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).METHODS: We conducted a cost effectiveness analysis using a Markov model with microsimulation. The characteristics and associated life expectancy of the hypothetical patients were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.
Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Source Type: research