Abstract
Background: The impact of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury management in thyroid surgery seems to be relevant to patients, National Healthcare System (NHS), and society. Methods: We studied resource consumption in the management of patients with RLN injury versus noninjured patients investigating 3 perspectives (patients, NHS, and society) in 5 clinical pathways. Results: Direct medical costs supported by the NHS range from a minimum of euro (€) 79.46 to a maximum of € 3261.95. From the patient's perspective, the direct medical costs supported by the patient increased from a minimum of € 3.60 to a maximum of € 499.45. Productivity losses were accounted in € 156 per day per patient. From the NHS perspective, the percentage increase ranged from 43.25% to 98.14%. From the patient's perspective, it ranged from 51.52% to 80.60%. Conclusion: The analysis shows a significant economic impact of RLN injury management, which varies depending on the damage, duration, and severity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1657-1665 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Head and Neck |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 Nov 1 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords
- cost analysis
- recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury
- thyroid surgery
- vocal fold palsy
- voice damage
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology