ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a combined (one-step) procedure with a novel technique

Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in cholelithiasis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There are many variations and unclear definitions of the appropriate timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and there is still a lack of consistency about the appropriate timing. Inappropriate timing can be associated with serious comorbidity and can affect the patients. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the operative outcomes and morbidity to provide a benefit to the patients based on the best timing of LC after ERCP. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies were identified from the PubMed and Scopus databases from inception to July 2021. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the treatment effects on operative outcomes and morbidity. Four RCTs and four retrospective studies met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis indicated that patients who received LC after ERCP on the same day or within 72 hours had about 0.354 days shorter length of hospital stay with a shorter operative time of about 0.111-1.835 minutes and a lower risk of complications around 37%-73%. Our evidence suggests that the appropriate timing of LC after ERCP is either the same day or within 72 hours for treating cholelithiasis patients based on the severity of disease.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of single-stage endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus two-stage ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy six-to-eight weeks later: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTİON: Currently, the management of cholelithiasis in combination with choledocholithiasis involves endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by cholecystectomy. However, recently, early surgical approaches are becoming more common, even in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. METODS: Patients diagnosed as having cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis between October 2017 and May 2019 were prospectively enrolled in the study in a randomized manner. Patients undergoing ERCP + LC (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) in the same session were assigned to group A (n = 39), those undergoing ERCP + LC in the same hospitalization period were assigned to group B (n = 43), and patients who underwent delayed cholecystectomy after ERCP were included in group C (n = 37). RESULT: A total of 119 patients (47 females and 72 males) were included in the study and divided into three groups. Statistical comparisons of the study groups showed a significant difference between the three groups in terms of the length of hospital stay (days) and total cost (p < 0.001). The total cost was significantly higher for patients in group C in comparison with those in groups A and B (p < 0.001). Compared with patients in groups A and B, there was statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay for patients in group C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSİONS: Single-stage ERCP plus LC is a safe and feasible strategy for the management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis, offering advantages of cost, shorter hospital stay, and total anesthesia time. The major advantage of ERCP and LC performed in the same session and during the same hospitalization is the absence of the risk of recurrent episodes of acute cholecystitis, which occur with delayed cholecystectomy.