Epidemiological update on the hospital discharge rate for pilonidal cysts in Chile, 2019-2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52611/confluencia.2026.1768Keywords:
Chile, Colorectal surgery, Epidemiology, Pilonidal sinusAbstract
Introduction: Pilonidal cyst is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory condition whose prevalence has increased worldwide. Its recent national epidemiology remains unknown. Objectives: To determine the hospital discharge rate for pilonidal cyst during the period 2019-2024 in Chile. Methodology: Quantitative, observational and descriptive study of the hospital discharge rate for pilonidal cyst between 2019-2024 in Chile, according to sex, age group and length of hospital stay, with data from Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics. Rates and measures of central tendency were calculated using Microsoft Excel. Ethics committee approval was not required. Result: A total of 10.712 hospital discharges were recorded during the study period yielding a hospital discharge rate of 9,66 per 100.000 inhabitants. A predominance of male rate (12,35) and of the 20-29 year age group (28,97) was observed. The overall mean length of hospital stay was 1,70 days, being higher in women (1,84). Discussion: The hospital discharge rate was lower than that reported in international studies, and its decrease may be associated with health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and postponement of elective surgeries. The predominance in men and young populations is consistent with the literature. The length of hospital stay is similar to that reported in other studies, and its higher value in women may be related to sex-related clinical differences. Conclusion: This study provides an epidemiological approximation of the healthcare burden of pilonidal cyst in Chile, highlighting the need for future research on factors associated with its clinical management.
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