Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in pre-Columbian Chileans.

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Gastroenterology
• Archaeology

Background:

• Gallbladder disease, specifically cholesterol gallstones, can lead to serious complications.
• Mummies offer a unique window into ancient diseases and health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of gallbladder disease in Chilean mummies.
• To investigate the prevalence and potential causes of gallstones in ancient Chilean populations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of two Chilean mummies.
• Identification and examination of gallbladder pathology.

Main Results:

• Cholesterol gallstones were identified in both cases.
• One mummy showed localized peritonitis secondary to gallstones.
• The second mummy exhibited signs of probable bile duct obstruction.

Conclusions:

• Gallbladder disease was present in ancient Chile.
• The high incidence suggests environmental factors may influence gallstone formation.
• Comparison with Peruvian mummies highlights geographical differences in disease prevalence.