[Cholelithiasis in young individuals]

It is presented a retrospective study of 20 patients under 30 years of age that underwent surgery for cholelithiasis in the "Hospital Ipiranga-INAMPS", São Paulo, from 1987 to 1990. The incidence in this group was 6.8% with sex distribution higher in the female. Only one patient had associated hemolytic disease (5%). The clinical findings were not different in this population and the diagnosis prior to surgery was possible in all cases. The high incidence found for acute cholecystitis (45%) and calculi migration (20%) should emphasize the importance of diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the young patient.