Quality of life and cost analysis following epilepsy surgery in Turkish patients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative changes in terms of seizure frequency, antiepileptic drug (AED) consumption and quality of life, and in parallel with this, to determine the changes in AED and healthcare costs after surgery. Methods: Twenty-four patients who underwent epilepsy surgery with medically intractable epilepsy were included in the study. Demographic features, seizure frequency and number of AEDs were obtained, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered pre- and postoperatively. Financial records were accessed via the university hospital database and the central network database of the national social security administration. Results: ATLE or lesionectomy was carried out in 24 patients. During the mean follow-up period of 24 months, 67% of patients achieved Class 1 and 2 seizure control and a significant reduction in the number of AEDs (p<0.005). On the SF-36, the general perception of health and role limitations due to emotional problems significantly improved postoperatively. The cost analysis revealed a significant reduction in AED and healthcare costs due to epilepsy in patients who underwent surgery (p<0.005). Conclusion: Surgical interventions for medically intractable epilepsy are effective in seizure control and have a notable beneficial effect on quality of life as well as healthcare costs. These medical and economic benefits of epilepsy surgery should encourage Turkish neurologists to refer patients to comprehensive epilepsy centers.