Características epidemiológicas de la Colelitiasis en el Ecuador. 2012 – 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Cholelithiasis, characterized by the presence of gallstones, is one of the most prevalent digestive disorders and can lead to complications such as acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. In Ecuador, it has received little attention in the medical and scientific fields. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of cholelithiasis in Ecuador during the 2012-2022 period. Methodology: Analytical, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study using secondary data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC, by its Spanish acronym). The sociodemographic characteristics of patients and the geographic distribution of the disease were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results: The prevalence increased from 19.74% in 2012 to 22.87% in 2022, with a decrease to 15.09% in 2020 attributed to the pandemic. Logistic regression showed that being female and aged 65 or older is associated with an increased risk of death. Higher mortality was also observed in patients treated in public institutions compared to private ones. Most cases were recorded in mestizo patients and in urban areas, highlighting the influence of sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: Women of working age and mestizos are the group most affected by cholelithiasis in Ecuador, with a higher incidence in urban areas and provinces such as Pichincha and Guayas. The increase in prevalence over the 11-year study period highlights the need to strengthen medical care in order to reduce this morbidity. Keywords: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, gallstones, biliary lithiasis, epidemiology