USE OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA IN LACRIMAL DUCT PROBING: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HOSPITALIZATIONS IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2019 AND 2025.

Abstract

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common condition in childhood and may lead to persistent epiphora and recurrent infections when spontaneous resolution does not occur. Lacrimal duct probing is the surgical treatment of choice in refractory cases and is frequently performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for lacrimal duct probing under general anesthesia in Brazil from 2019 to 2025. This is an observational, descriptive, ecological study with a quantitative approach, conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian Unified Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), available through DATASUS. The variables analyzed included year of hospitalization, geographic region, average length of hospital stay, costs, and procedure complexity. During the study period, 858 hospitalizations were recorded nationwide, with a reduction in 2020, likely reflecting the suspension of elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a progressive increase until 2024 and a decline in 2025, possibly due to incomplete data for the final year. The Southeast Region accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations (490) and the highest hospital costs, reflecting greater healthcare capacity. The national average length of stay was 0.4 days, indicating short-term hospitalizations. All admissions were classified as medium complexity, and no in-hospital deaths were recorded during the study period. It is concluded that the procedure presents a safe profile, short hospital stay, and moderate financial impact on the public health system, with unequal regional distribution and influence of contextual factors on its service volume.