IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF SPINE PATHOLOGIES IN SUS

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spine surgeries performed by SUS. To identify changes in surgical volume, as well as which procedures and regions of Brazil were most affected. To correlate such changes with literature data. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conductedwith an analysis of the databases available to the public on the performance of spinal surgical procedures by SUS during the period from 2017 to 2021. The databases were created from variables of interest available in the SIH (Hospital Information System) of the SUS Information Technology Department website (DATASUS; http://datasus.saude.gov.br). The procedures were grouped according to type of surgery, topography, and access route for the construction of tables and statistical analysis. Results: In the years of the pandemic, a greater drop in surgical volume was observed, with a total of 13,276 procedures in 2020 and 12,158 in 2021, equivalent to -28.51% and -34.53%, respectively, of the average of the previous period. Conclusions: Given the paramount importance of attention to the fight against the pandemic, maintaining the level of assistance for spinal pathologies proved to be a great challenge, especially in relation to elective surgical pathologies that, when delayed too much, can seriously impact the quality of life and outcomes of future treatments. Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective, descriptive.