Intestinal Volvulus and Geographic Altitude: Nationwide Analysis of Hospitalizations in Peru

This study aimed to evaluate the geographic distribution of hospitalizations due to intestinal volvulus in Peru during 2023 and to analyze the relationship between geographic altitude and hospitalization rates.

A secondary analysis was conducted using the 2023 hospitalizations database from the Superintendencia Nacional de Salud. Cases of intestinal volvulus were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision code K56.2. Altitude data, measured in both meters above sea level and feet (ft) using the standard conversion factor (1 m = 3.281 ft). Hospitalization rates were standardized by age using World Health Organization population standards per 100,000 people. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationship between altitude and hospitalization rates.

A total of 614 hospitalizations due to intestinal volvulus were recorded in 2023, with higher rates observed in men (72.1%) and individuals aged 65 y or older. The highest age-standardized hospitalization rates were reported in Cusco (8.32 per 100,000 people; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.88-9.98) and Ayacucho (5.42; 95% CI: 3.91-7.41). Departments located at high altitudes (>3000 meters above sea level or ∼9843 ft) showed the highest rates, with a moderate positive correlation between altitude and age-standardized hospitalization rates (r = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.34-0.83; P < 0.001). The Hospital Antonio Lorena in Cusco reported the highest number of cases (46).

Hospitalizations due to intestinal volvulus in Peru are more frequent in high-altitude regions, with a significant positive correlation between altitude and hospitalization rates. These findings suggest that environmental factors associated with high-altitude living may contribute to the occurrence of intestinal volvulus.