TOTAL COLECTOMY IN ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE CENTRAL-WEST REGION BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Introduction Total colectomy is characterized by the complete removal of the intraperitoneal colon, and its indication ranges from complications of inflammatory bowel diseases to the presence of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and colon cancer (CC).

Objectives To determine the number of hospitalizations for total colectomy in an oncological context; analyze the average hospitalization cost and average hospital stay for this procedure; and identify risk factors for the development of colonic neoplasia and their relationship to prevention.

Method A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted, evaluating hospitalizations, average hospitalization cost, and average hospital stay for total colectomy in oncology in the states of the Central-West Region (CO) from 2018 to 2023. Data were collected from the SUS Hospital Information System and the Oncology Panel-BRASIL by the Department of Information Technology of the Unified Health System (SUS), accessed through the Health Information Tabulator.

Results Between 2018 and 2023, 6448 cases of colon cancer were treated in CO, 47.5% of which were treated surgically. Goiás (GO) had the highest number of treatments (2706), followed by Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) (1287), Mato Grosso (MT) (1234), and the Federal District (DF) (1221). During this period, 143 hospitalizations for total colectomy due to oncological reasons were recorded, with 62 in DF, 47 in GO, 26 in MS, and 8 in MT. The average hospitalization cost was R$ 9082 in MS, R$ 9707 in MT, R$ 9977 in GO, and R$ 9231 in DF. The average hospital stay was 10.2 days in MS, 9.5 days in MT, 7.25 days in GO, and 9.5 days in DF. Risk factors for developing CC include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Conclusion Approximately half of the colon cancers were treated surgically, with only 2% requiring total colectomy. The average hospitalization cost was around R$ 9000, with GO having the highest cost and the shortest hospital stay. Modifiable risk factors are associated with an increased number of colon cancers, and delayed diagnosis is linked to advanced staging and the need for invasive measures like total colectomy. The improvement of public policies on lifestyle changes and colon cancer screening exams contributes to a reduction in incidence and early diagnosis, thereby reducing the need for total colectomy and public expenditure on this procedure.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
25 April 2025