OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer patients who have faced mastectomy can undergo autologous or alloplastic breast reconstruction. In contrast to other European countries, the Belgian healthcare system allocates distinct budget according to the chosen technique: the autologous breast reconstruction is rewarded based on the updated surgery skills and annual inflation while the budget allocated to innovative breast implants remains at the level of 10 years old implants. This situation jeopardizes access to innovation. This research aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness analysis of a new type of implant for breast reconstruction.

METHODS: A decision tree has been built to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the innovative lightweight polyurethane coated breast implant compared to the traditional textured/smooth implant. Because of its specific coating and filling, this new implant reduces the risk of re-hospitalization due to complications commonly observed with the textured/smooth implants. The innovative borosilicate microsphere filling also reduces the weight of the implant which can be beneficial for the remaining skin and soft tissues after breast amputation, reducing pain and improving aesthetics. Successful breast reconstruction means both better physical and mental health recovery.

RESULTS: From a national payer perspective, the lightweight polyurethane coated breast implant is cost-saving compared to the traditional textured/smooth implants, as it offers long term healthcare savings due to fewer re-hospitalizations. Fewer complications and improved esthetical outcomes also impact positively patients’ quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: The present cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that from a national payer perspective, allocating a higher budget to an innovative implant such as the lightweight polyurethane coated breast implant can be justified.