Cost effectiveness of intraoperative pathology in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules

AUTOR(ES)

Vuong, Christopher D.; Watson, WayAnne B.; Kwon, Daniel I.; Mohan, Sonia S.; Perez, Mia N.; Lee, Steve C.; Simental, Alfred A.

FONTE

Arch. Endocrinol. Metab.

DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2020-08

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to determine the cost effectiveness of rapid frozen section (RFS) for indeterminate thyroid nodules. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2009 and June 2013 at a tertiary care institution. Main outcomes were number needed to treat, RFS efficacy, and cost-savings of avoiding second completion thyroidectomy. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using 2015 Medicare reimbursement rate. Results Out of 1,114 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, 314 had preoperative AUS/FLUS cytopathology and subsequent thyroid lobectomy with RFS. RFS identified 13 of the 32 patients with malignancy resulting in a total thyroidectomy. 19 of the 29 malignancies not detected by RFS were papillary microcarcinomas. Conclusions Completion thyroidectomy was avoided in 1 out of every 24 patients resulting in cost-savings of $ 80.04 per patient. In the era of outpatient thyroid surgery, intraoperative RFS for indeterminate thyroid nodules is cost-effective.

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