Aim: To perform an early cost-effectiveness analysis of in vitro expanded myoblasts (IVM) and minced myofibers versus midurethral slings (MUS) for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.
Methods: Cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analyses were performed using a decision tree comprising previously published data and expert opinions.
Results & conclusion: In the base case scenario, MUS was the cost-effective strategy with a negative incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared with IVM and a positive incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared with minced myofibers. However, the sensitivity analysis indicates that IVM may become an alternative providing greater effect at a higher cost. With the possibility of becoming more effective, IVM treatment would be advantageous over MUS given its reduced invasiveness and lower risks of complications.
Keywords: cell- and tissue-based therapy; economic analysis; healthcare costs; incremental cost–effectiveness ratio; midurethral slings; myoblast transplantation; stress urinary incontinence.