ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GALLBLADDER STONES IN PATIENTS UNDER 40 YEARS OF AGE WITH AN INDICATION FOR LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY TREATED AT THE CORONEL BOGADO DISTRICT HOSPITAL, 2025

Abstract

Gallbladder stones are among the most common diseases of the hepatobiliary system and represent one of the main indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Abdominal ultrasonography is the method of choice for diagnosis and preoperative assessment. Objective: To describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of gallbladder stones in patients under 40 years of age with an indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy treated at the Coronel Bogado District Hospital during 2025. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted. A consecutive non-probability sample included 31 patients aged 18 to 40 years with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of gallbladder stones. Clinical records and ultrasonographic reports were reviewed, and the variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Patients aged 35 to 39 years and females predominated. Most patients presented with multiple, mobile stones measuring 5 to 10 mm. Posterior acoustic shadowing was observed in all cases. Gallbladder wall thickening was the most frequent associated finding, whereas biliary sludge and bile duct dilatation were uncommon. Conclusions: Gallbladder stones predominated among women and patients approaching 40 years of age. The most frequent ultrasonographic characteristics were multiple, mobile, intermediate-sized stones with posterior acoustic shadowing. Associated findings were uncommon, with gallbladder wall thickening being the most frequent. These results provide useful information for ultrasonographic assessment and surgical planning.