Early Versus Late Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Post ERCP

Background: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) is the commonest method for treatment of biliary stones. In our study we compared 2 groups of patients managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy post ERCP after (72 hours and after 7 days) regarding safety, length of hospital stay and cost.Material and Methods: The study was from March 2010 to August 2011 and included 30 patients; Group A with ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 72 hours and Group B with ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 7 days.Results: There were 2 cases in Group B with transient pancreatitis post cholecystectomy and were treated conservatively, no other complications in both groups, mean hospital stay was 5.2±1 in Group A, 12.3±2 in Group B, more cost in Group B related to the longer stay in the hospital for investigations, the conversion rates to open cholecystectomy were 13.3% in Group A and 33.3% in Group B.Conclusion: In our study we found that short interval between ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in treatment of gall stones was safe with less cost in patients with choledocholithiasis.