Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

Gallbladder wall thickening is a clinically significant finding, commonly detected through imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. This thickening can indicate inflammation or damage to the gallbladder and is often associated with conditions like acute cholecystitis, gallstones, and infections. Proper evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and patient prognosis.
The objective of this study was to determine the association between gallbladder wall thickening and the length of hospital stay at the General Hospital of Zone No. 20 "La Margarita" located in Puebla, Mexico. A descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing medical records from the general surgery department. The study included male and female patients over 18 years old who had undergone an ultrasound showing gallbladder wall thickness and who had been hospitalized within six months after protocol approval by the Local Ethics and Research Committees.
The study sample included 265 patients. The analysis showed no significant difference between genders regarding the average length of hospital stay. However, patients with greater wall thickening tended to have longer hospitalizations, reaching up to 15 days. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test yielded a p-value of 0.003, indicating a significant correlation between gallbladder wall thickening and increased length of hospital stay.
In conclusion, a significant relationship was found between gallbladder wall thickening and prolonged hospitalization at the General Hospital of Zone No. 20, "La Margarita".