There is adequate evidence suggesting that endovascular abdominal repair (EVAR) is equally as effective at treating aortic aneurysms as open repair (OR). However, there is a lack of agreement in the professional world over whether EVAR is more cost effective at treating aortic aneurysms than OR. Numerous studies have concluded that EVAR is more cost effective than OR and numerous studies have concluded the contrary.
It is clear that there is a need for more research in this area. In this project we aim to assess the cost effectiveness of endovascular abdominal repair by looking at procedure costs, length of hospital stays, reintervention costs, quality adjusted life years gained, aneurysm-related mortality etc. We will base this on 14 years experience in Galway University Hospital and 7 years experience in The Galway Clinic where we will look at 494 cases. I have already gathered the data needed for this project and the aim for this summer is to learn the statistical models necessary to analyse the data and to pubish our results.
As a primary endpoint, we aim to produce clear-cut figures on the cost per QALY gained and cost per life year gained to report on the cost effectiveness of EVAR vs. OR. We also intend to produce figures comparing the deaths and injuries around the time of surgery between EVAR and OSR. As a whole, this project will provide direction for vascular surgeons on what procedure to perform when repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms.
