MINIMALLY INVASIVE TUBULAR DECOMPRESSION OF THE SPINE: ANALYSIS OF HOSPITAL STAY AND COSTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Minimally invasive tubular surgeries are an option for neural decompression in the spine. Despite its advantages described in the literature, controversy persists regarding its safety in reducing the length of hospital stay. Objective: To evaluate the readmission rate and hospital costs of patients discharged within 24 hours after minimally invasive tubular decompression. Methods: Retrospective comparative analysis of patients undergoing tubular decompression of the spine between 2017 and 2023 who had no perioperative complications. One group was made up of patients who were discharged from hospital within 24 hours after the end of the surgery, and the other was made up of patients who were discharged after this period. Data regarding costs and readmissions/reoperations within 180 days after hospital discharge were compared. Results: The sample consisted of 179 patients, 167 of whom were discharged early. There were 18 cases of readmission/reoperation within 180 days, and all were cases from the group that received early discharge. The main reason for readmission was recurrence (61.1%). Total hospital costs were higher in the “non-early” group, with an average of R$30,756.00, representing a 40.39% higher percentage expense when compared to the “early discharge” group. Conclusion: Microsurgical tubular decompression of the spine is a technique that enables safe early discharge and does not increase the risk of readmission within 180 days. Patients who were discharged early had lower hospital costs related to hospitalization. Level of evidence III; Retrospective Comparative Study.