Epidemiological aspects and estimated costs surgeries of carpal tunnel syndrome in Brazil

What is it about?

Objective to define epidemiological aspects and estimated costs resulting from surgeries performed by the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in Brazil between 2008 and 2016. Materials and Methods A documentary study, with data from the Informational Department of SUS (DATASUS), referring to the absolute number and incidence of hospitalizations, total days and mean length of hospital staying, total invested value, and the value of hospital and professional services in the surgical treatment of the syndrome. Results During the period studied, 82,123 hospitalizations for surgery were performed, with a 62% increase from 2008 to 2015, accompanied by an increase in the payment to professionals. Incidence and absolute number of procedures stood out invariably in the south and southeast regions. The northern region presented lower absolute number, incidence and value, in addition to the longer average of hospitalization time. The average hospital staying decreased from 1.2 in 2008 to 0.7 days in 2016. R$ 29,463,148.80 were applied in the period. After 2011, the value of professional service became the largest portion of the total. The hospital remuneration corresponded to 52.49% of the expenditure in 2008 and 36.24% in 2015, while the expenses with professionals received the largest investment comparing to the amount in 2012. Conclusion The present study was discrepant with the international literature regarding epidemiological data and cost estimates. In Brazil, there was a disparity between the absolute number, annual incidence and length of hospital stay of these patients. Future researches may assess the variables that influenced these results, as well as contribute to public interventions aimed at improving care.

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Why is it important?

The present study was discrepant with the international literature regarding epidemiological data and cost estimates. In Brazil, there was a disparity between the absolute number, annual incidence and length of hospital stay of these patients.blic interventions aimed at improving care.

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