Economic evaluation of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation versus vaginal hysterectomy for menorrhagia.

OBJECTIVES To estimate society's expenses and benefits of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation and vaginal hysterectomy for the treatment of women with menorrhagia. METHODS Between June 1992 and July 1993, 40 women with menorrhagia underwent vaginal hysterectomy by five surgeons in one hospital. These patients were compared retrospectively with the first 40 patients having had endometrial ablation for menorrhagia during the same period by the senior author (GAV). The age, parity, weight of patients, and uterine size were similar in both groups. Measurable variables that would incur costs included surgical time, procedure time (anesthetist and resource use in operating room), length of hospital stay, convalescence (value of patient time), and indirect costs associated with subsequent surgical procedures. Measurable benefits included reduction in blood loss and complications, and effectiveness of procedure. RESULTS The total cost per episode of care was estimated to be $5373 and $2279 (1995 Canadian dollars) for vaginal hysterectomy and hysteroscopic endometrial ablation, respectively, a mean savings of $3094. The benefits derived from both procedures were comparable. Vaginal hysterectomy eliminated bleeding in 100% of patients and had a complication rate of 41%. Endometrial ablation eliminated or improved bleeding in 90% of patients (amenorrhea 46%, hypomenorrhea 35%, eumenorrhea 9%, no significant change 10%), was associated with no complications, and resulted in 82% patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION Endometrial ablation is 82% effective and 58% less expensive than vaginal hysterectomy for the treatment of women with menorrhagia.