Intangible medical costs after epilepsy surgery
Postoperative dynamics and relevant factors influencing its course. English Version
- 14.10.2025
- Übersichten
- Verfasst von
- Aurelius B. Stamm
- Nina Merkel
- Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Catrin Mann
- Andrea Spyrantis
- Nadine Conradi
- Thomas M. Freiman
- Florian J. Raimann
- Jürgen Konczalla
- Felix Rosenow
- Adam Strzelczyk
- PD Dr. Laurent M. Willems, MHBA
- Erschienen in
- Clinical Epileptology
Abstract
Background
Epilepsy incurs substantial cost of illness (COI), with intangible costs (iCOI) playing a central role in health economic analyses alongside direct and indirect cost factors. This study estimates iCOI at 6-, 12-, and 24-months postepilepsy surgery and identifies predictors for its reduction.
Methods
Data from adult patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at the Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main between January 2015 and December 2024 with a complete postoperative follow-up of at least 24 months were analyzed. iCOI was estimated based on the difference between pre- and postoperative quality of life (QOL), measured using the validated Quality of Life in Epilepsy–31 inventory (QUOLIE-31), and the monetary value of a quality-adjusted life year (QUALY).
Results
Data from 90 patients (51.1% female, mean age at surgery 34.9 ± 13.4 years, range 18–72 years) demonstrated an average iCOI reduction of € 2678, € 3734, and € 4866 at 6‑, 12-, and 24-months postsurgery, respectively. The reduction correlated with clinical outcome, with patients classified as Engel Ia at 24 months showing the highest mean iCOI reduction (Engel Ia: € 5801 vs. Engel Ib–IV: € 3065). Predictors for iCOI reduction included the cessation of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (p = 0.033) and focal seizures (p = 0.031), a decrease in antiseizure medication (ASM, p = 0.038), and reductions in adverse drug effects (p = 0.026) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042).
Conclusion
Successful epilepsy surgery significantly reduces iCOI. In addition to seizure freedom, reduced ASM usage, fewer adverse drug effects, and improved depressive symptoms are key predictors of iCOI reduction.
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- Titel
-
Intangible medical costs after epilepsy surgery
Postoperative dynamics and relevant factors influencing its course. English Version - Verfasst von
-
Aurelius B. Stamm
Nina Merkel
Johann Philipp Zöllner
Catrin Mann
Andrea Spyrantis
Nadine Conradi
Thomas M. Freiman
Florian J. Raimann
Jürgen Konczalla
Felix Rosenow
Adam Strzelczyk
PD Dr. Laurent M. Willems, MHBA
- Publikationsdatum
- 14.10.2025
- Verlag
- Springer Medizin
- Erschienen in
-
Clinical Epileptology
Print ISSN: 2948-104X
Elektronische ISSN: 2948-1058 - DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10309-025-00793-x
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