LAUSR

OBJECTIVE to characterize caracterize by Brazilian National Health System (SUS) hospitalizations for bariatric surgeries in residents of the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, from 2010 to 2016. METHODS data analysis of the National Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS); calculation of indicators by sex, age groups, use of Intensive Care Unit and hospitalization expenses; the target population were patients aged 15 years and older. RESULTS there were 1,249 hospitalizations (178.4/year; 5.4/100 thousand inhab./year), and the average age was 41.3±10.3 years old (average±standard deviation); the female sex was more prevalent (85.0%) and the age group 35-39 years accounted for 234 cases (18.7%); 227 patients (18.2%) needed ICU; there were 2 (0.2%) deaths; the mean for hospital stay was 5.1±3.2 days; the average annual expense was BRL1,073.830.29±223,791.48; and the average cost for hospitalization was BRL6,018.26±851,34 (BRL1,171.03/day). CONCLUSION bariatric surgeries were characterized as procedures undergone by young female adults, with relatively frequent use of ICU and low fatality.