Health service cost associated with percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with spinal metastases

Aims To ascertain prospectively the health service cost of vertebroplasty in a cohort of consecutive patients with spinal metastases. Materials and methods Percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed under conscious sedation and local anaesthetic in the Interventional Suite with fluoroscopic guidance. Data were collected prospectively on standard forms. Quality of life questionnaires (EQ-5D) were filled out pre-, 6 weeks, and at 6 months post-vertebroplasty. Results The majority of the procedures were performed on an outpatient basis (8/11). The median duration of the procedure was 60 min (range 40–80 min) with a further 60 min spent in the recovery room (range 10–230 min). Personnel involved included a consultant radiologist, a radiology registrar, four nurses, and two radiographers. The average cost of vertebroplasty per patient, including consumables, capital equipment, hotel/clinic costs, and staffing, was £2213.25 (95% CI £729.95). The mean EQ-5D utility scores increased from 0.421 pre-treatment to 0.5979 post-treatment ( p  = 0.047). The visual analogue scale (VAS) of perceived health improved from a mean of 41.88 to 63.75 ( p  = 0.00537). Conclusion Health service costs for percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with spinal metastases is significantly lower than previously estimated and is in keeping with that of other palliative radiological procedures.