During which period should we avoid cholecystectomy in patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography?

Objective: To determine the period during which we should avoid cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of electronic medical charts of 532 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, between March 2013 and December 2017.

Results: Approximately one-third of patients underwent the procedure between 4 and 30 days after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The conversion rate was 3.8%. The need for abdominal drainage and the finding of biliary tract injury after surgery were observed in 15.1% and 1.9% of patients, respectively. The length of stay was significantly shorter among patients undergoing surgery more than 30 days after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. These patients had a median length of stay of one day, whereas the median length of stay in the group undergoing the procedure between 4 and 30 days after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was 2 days.

Conclusion: The period during which we should avoid cholecystectomy is between 4 and 30 days after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.