The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Economic analysis of VenUS I, a randomized trial of two bandages for treating venous leg ulcers. BJS 2004; 91: 1300-1306.

Published: 20th September 2004

Authors: C. P. Iglesias, E. A. Nelson, N. Cullum, D. J. Torgerson

Background

The study investigated the cost‐effectiveness of four‐layer and short‐stretch compression bandages for treating venous leg ulcers.

Method

Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility analyses were performed using patient‐level data collected alongside the VenUS I leg ulcer study. The perspective for the economic analysis was that of the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Personal Social Service. The time horizon for the analysis was 1 year after recruitment. Health benefit was measured as differences in ulcer‐free days and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results

The mean healing time for ulcers treated with four‐layer bandages was 10·9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) −6·8 to 29·1) days less than that for ulcers treated with short‐stretch bandages. Mean average difference in QALYs between compression systems was −0·02 (95 per cent c.i. −0·08 to 0·04). The four‐layer bandage cost a mean of £227·32 (95 per cent c.i. £16·53 to £448 ·30) less per patient per year than the short‐stretch bandage.

Conclusion

On average, four‐layer bandaging was associated with greater health benefits and lower costs than short‐stretch bandaging. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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