Características Físico-Químicas de los Cálculos Biliares y su Relación con los Factores Predisponentes. Pacientes del Hospital Vicente Corral M. periodo marzo-julio de 1997

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of gallstones and their relationship with the main predisposing factors in patients who underwent cholecystectomy at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital in Cuenca, Ecuador, during the period from March to July 1997. A descriptive clinical study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis. The physical characteristics of the gallstones (color, shape, surface, and size) and their chemical composition were analyzed through the determination of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium. In addition, the association with predisposing factors such as age, sex, diet, obesity, multiparity, and oral contraceptive use was evaluated. The results showed a higher prevalence of the disease among women over 20 years of age, particularly those with multiparity and diets rich in fats and carbohydrates. Mixed gallstones were the most common type (48%), followed by pigment stones (28%) and cholesterol stones (24%). The findings demonstrated that the chemical composition of gallstones was associated with their physical characteristics and the predisposing factors analyzed. These results provide valuable information for understanding the etiology of cholelithiasis and contribute to the development of preventive strategies, as well as to improving the diagnosis and clinical management of this disease.