Prevalencia de colelitiasis asintomática en mujeres adultas entre 18 y 64 años diagnosticadas por ecosonografía en el Hospital de la Policía Nacional de Guayaquil, en el periodo enero 2025 a enero 2026.

Abstract

Introduction: Cholelithiasis, or the presence of gallstones, remains one of the most prevalent digestive diseases globally with a significant impact on morbidity and healthcare costs. In Ecuador the gallbladder diseases are a frequent reason for consultation and surgical intervention. Multiple recent epidemiological studies confirm that female sex is the primary risk factor, with a higher prevalence than male sex, especially during reproductive years. This greater susceptibility in women is largely attributed to the influence of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone which alter bile composition with cholesterol supersaturation and reduce gallbladder motility. Abdominal ultrasound is the fundamental tool for diagnosing cholelithiasis whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. Given its high sensitivity and specificity its non-invasive nature and its availability and the ultrasound is the method of choice for screening and confirmatory diagnosis. Knowledge of local prevalence that is within a specific population such as that served by the National Police Hospital of Guayaquil becomes crucial for efficient healthcare planning. Objectives and methodology: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis in adult women between 18 and 64 years of age treated at the National Police Hospital of Guayaquil from January 2025 to January 2026 using confirmatory diagnosis by ultrasound. An observational analytical and cross-sectional study design was employed, reviewing clinical records and ultrasound reports from the hospital's Imaging Department. A sample of 210 patients was analyzed selected by non-probability convenience sampling from a total population of 320 patients who met the selection criteria. Results: A prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis of 17.1% (n=36) was identified. The 46-64 age group accounted for 58.3% of diagnoses with an intragroup prevalence of 30,9%. The main risk factors were multiparity (58.3%) and obesity (47.2%). Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between cholelithiasis and multiparity, obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05). Ultrasound findings showed a predominance of multiple stones (69.4%) and stones larger than 10 mm in 58.3% of cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis (17.1%) demonstrates a significant burden of silent biliary disease at the institution primarily associated with metabolic and reproductive risk factors. Abdominal ultrasound is the fundamental diagnostic method for incidental detection in this population.