Cost-effectiveness analysis of laparoscopic gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and nonoperative weight loss interventions.

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the two most commonly performed bariatric procedures. Although both procedures likely reduce healthcare expenditures related to the resolution of co-morbid conditions, they have different rates of perioperative risks and different rates of associated weight loss. We designed a model to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of these procedures compared with nonoperative weight loss interventions and with each other.

Methods: We used a deterministic, payer-perspective model comparing the lifetime expected costs and outcomes of LAGB, LRYGB, and nonoperative treatment. The major endpoints were survival, health-related quality of life, and weight loss. Life expectancy and lifetime medical costs were calculated across age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) strata using previously published data.

Results: For both men and women, LRYGB and LAGB were cost-effective at <$25,000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) even when evaluating the full range of baseline BMI and estimates of adverse outcomes, weight loss, and costs. For base-case scenarios in men (age 35 y, BMI 40 kg/m(2)), the incremental cost-effectiveness was $11,604/QALY for LAGB compared with $18,543/QALY for LRYGB. For base-case scenarios in women (age 35 y, BMI 40 kg/m(2)), the incremental cost-effectiveness was $8878/QALY for LAGB compared with $14,680/QALY for LRYGB.

Conclusion: The modeled cost-effectiveness analysis showed that both operative interventions for morbid obesity, LAGB and RYGB, were cost-effective at <$25,000 and that LAGB was more cost-effective than RYGB for all base-case scenarios.