Prevalence of gallbladder pathology: a four-year experience at a secondary care hospital in Mexico city

Background: Biliary tract diseases represent a common cause of medical consultation and surgical intervention in Mexico, with a rising incidence. Elective cholecystectomy is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures in secondary care hospitals, reflecting the significant clinical burden of this pathology. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and observational study was conducted in a secondary care hospital, including 12,475 patients. Demographic data, diagnoses, types of surgical intervention and the conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of biliary disease in the study population was 7.79%. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery ranged from 2.6% to 18%, depending on the specific diagnosis and the surgical team's experience. Acute cholecystitis and pyocolecyst were identified as the main factors increasing technical difficulty due to severe inflammation and an elevated risk of biliary tract injury, leading to conversion to open surgery. These findings underscore the complexity involved in surgically managing certain biliary conditions. Conclusions: The high prevalence of biliary pathology and the considerable conversion rate highlight the necessity for careful clinical and surgical evaluation, as well as the importance of experienced surgeons to optimize management and reduce complications.