Work

Clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of epilepsy surgery in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Objective To synthesize evidence on clinical outcomes, direct surgical costs, and cost‐effectiveness of resective epilepsy surgery for drug‐resistant epilepsy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched through May 17, 2026. Original studies from World Bank‐classified LMICs reporting clinical outcomes and/or direct costs of resective surgery were included. Engel Class I favorable seizure outcomes at ≥ 12 months were pooled using a random‐effects model with the Hartung‐Knapp‐Sidik‐Jonkman variance estimator, while cost data were synthesized narratively because of heterogeneity. Results Ten studies involving 2587 patients from seven LMICs were included from 20 948 identified records. Direct surgical costs ranged from US$500 in Iran to US$14894 in Colombia in 2025‐adjusted dollars, equivalent to 9.4%–271% of national GDP per capita. Across four comparative observational studies, surgery was associated with higher odds of achieving Engel Class I favorable seizure outcomes than continued medical management (pooled OR 22.51; 95% CI 11.17–45.38; p < 0.00001; I 2 = 9%). Favorable outcomes occurred in 52%–79.4% of surgical patients versus 7.7%–16% of medically managed patients. Two Thai studies reported conflicting cost‐effectiveness results relative to the national willingness‐to‐pay threshold. Significance Resective epilepsy surgery was associated with substantially better seizure outcomes in appropriately selected patients in LMICs. However, the observational clinical evidence and heterogeneous, limited economic data preclude causal interpretation and broad conclusions on cost‐effectiveness across settings. Plain Language Summary Epilepsy surgery can help people whose seizures remain uncontrolled despite medication, but access to surgery is limited in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This review examined 10 studies involving 2587 patients from seven countries. Patients who underwent surgery were more likely to experience favorable seizure outcomes than those receiving medication alone. Surgical costs varied widely between countries, and evidence about whether surgery provides good value for money remains limited and inconsistent. These findings suggest that expanding access to epilepsy surgery may benefit appropriately selected patients, while further research is needed to understand its affordability and long‐term economic value.

Source: Epilepsia Open

DOI: 10.1002/epi4.70376

Authors: Muhamad Thohar Arifin, Firman Pribadi, Nurettin Öner

Institutions: Diponegoro University, Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, Ankara University

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,120