Hospital discharge rate due to intestinal obstruction due to adhesions, 2019 -2022, Chile: a descriptive study

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction (IO) results from a mechanical blockage in the intestinal flow, with adhesions being the primary cause. Due to its impact on patients, this study aims to determine the hospital discharge rate (HDR) due to adhesions causing intestinal obstruction from 2019 to 2022 in Chile. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Data was extracted from the Health Statistics and Information Department and the National Statistics Institute database, which was then processed using Microsoft Excel. A descriptive analysis of the HDR due to intestinal obstruction by adhesions in patients from 2019 to 2022 in Chile was performed, considering variables such as sex, age group, and hospital stay. Ethical committee review was not required. Results: A total of 3,985 cases were studied, determining an HDR of 5.67 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with an increasing trend over the period. There was a predominance of women and patients over 80 years old. The average hospital stay was 8.64 days, with no significant differences by sex, but longer stays in older adults. Discussion: An increase in the incidence of IO due to adhesions was observed, possibly related to greater surgical management of pathologies. Rates were similar between men and women, contrasting with studies that report differing prevalence by sex. The average hospital stay was longer for individuals over 80 years old, possibly due to higher complications from comorbidities. The relevance and healthcare burden of this condition in the Chilean population are highlighted, showing how it affects different age groups and sexes.