Cáncer de vesícula en colecistectomías de la región de Tarapacá. Análisis según pertenencia étnica / Prevalence of gallbladder cancer in a Northern Chilean region

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder Cancer (GBC) prevalence varies among countries, associated with different geographical and genetic factors. The Mapuche ethnicity (Ethnia mostly located between the VIII and X Chilean regions) stands out in Chile due to its high GBC prevalence. Aim: To estimate the GBC prevalence in patients undergoing cholecystectomy at a public hospital in the Northern region of Chile (Tarapaca), where other ethnical groups are common. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pathological reports of 3270 patients (72% women) who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2016 and December 2019 were revised. Subsequently, the accreditation of ethnic belonging for each patient to one of the ten native communities in Chile was requested to the National Corporation for Native Communities Development (CONADI). RESULTS: According to the analysis of pathological reports, the global GBC prevalence was 0.3 %. The prevalence in Aymaras was 0.4% and 0% in Mapuches. The distribution of ethnic origins among analyzed patients was Aymara in 14.3, Mapuche in 2.7%, Diaguita in 1.7%, Quechua in 1.3%, Atacameña in 0.2%, and Colla in 0.2%. No specific ethnic origin was found in 79% of patients. Conclusions: There was a low GBC prevalence rate in Northern Chile and among the Aymara population.

Prevalencia de colecistolitiasis y cáncer de vesícula en una población rural aymara de Chile

Background: The prevalence of cholelithiasis and gallbladder cancer may be different across ethnic groups. Aim: To study the prevalence of cholelithiasis and gallbladder cancer among Aymara individuals. Material and Methods: An abdominal ultrasound was carried out in a sample of 182 Aymara women aged 46 ± 16 years and 76 Aymara men aged 55 ± 16 years. In addition, the histopathological reports of both patients with a history of previous cholecystectomy and those operated after the study were reviewed. Results: Ultrasound was normal in 150 participants (58%), 76 had cholelithiasis (30%) and 32 (12%) had a history of cholecystectomy. Pathological reports of the excised gallbladder were available for 106 cases and showed a chronic cholecystitis in 98% of cases. Gallbladder cancer was not reported. Conclusions: There is a 42% prevalence of cholelithiasis and no gallbladder cancer in this sample of Aymara population.