Estimate of cost for diabetic foot treatment; how to prevent it and save funds /Estimativa do custo de tratar o pe diabetico, como prevenir e economizar recursos

In this work the cost of hospital treatment for diabetic foot wounds was estimated and the literature regarding prophylaxis for these lesions was examined. For this purpose, the records of all patients with diabetic foot symptoms submitted to surgical treatment over a period of 16 months in a public hospital were reviewed. There were 44 admissions with an average hospitalization period of 11.93 days, ([+ or -] 6.34), 61 surgical procedures, with amputations in 65% of the cases. An average cost of R$ 4,367.05 ([+ or -] 9249.01) and a total cost of R$ 192,150.40 was calculated for the hospital treatment involved. Treatment of diabetic foot symptoms had a high cost and required amputation in the majority of cases. A review of the literature revealed many possible models to be adopted for action in the prophylaxis of wounds associated with the diabetic foot, which can avoid amputations and save funds. Key words Diabetic foot, Diabetic neuropathies, Costs and cost analysis, Prevention & control Neste trabalho estimamos o custo do tratamento hospitalar do pe diabetico e discutimos a literatura referente a profilaxia destas lesoes. Para isto revisamos os prontuarios dos pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirurgico num periodo de 16 meses em um hospital publico e revisamos os metodos de prevencao do pe diabetico. Foram 44 internacoes com duracao media de 11,93 dias ([+ or -] 6,34), 61 procedimentos cirurgicos, com amputacoes em 65% dos casos. Encontramos um custo medio de R$ 4.367,05 ([+ or -] 9.249,01) e um custo total de R$ 192.150,40 para estes tratamentos hospitalares. O tratamento do pe diabetico teve um alto custo e exigiu amputacoes na maioria dos casos. A revisao da literatura evidenciou diversos modelos possiveis de serem adotados para atuar na profilaxia de lesoes associadas ao pe diabetico, os quais podem evitar amputacoes e economizar recursos. Palavras-chave Pe diabetico, Neuropatias diabeticas, Custos e analise de custo, Prevencao e controle