Gallstone-related Complications Research Articles

The role of choledochoscopy in transductal laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) performed by choledochoscope through the cystic duct or directly through the incision in the common bile duct (CBD) are well established methods for restoring biliary drainage function in patients with choledocholithiasis. Although it plays a crucial role in the transcystic approach, transductal approach can be achieved differently. However, it has restrictions in availability due to its expensiveness. Objective — to report efficacy of transductal LCBDE without laparoscopic choledochoscopy. Materials and methods. This is a prospective study of urgently admitted patients who underwent trans‑ductal LCBDE due to confirmed choledocholithiasis. During laparoscopy, clearance of the CBD was achieved in two ways: by choledochoscopy (group CS+, n = 43) and without it (group CS–, n = 34). The data of patient demographics, comorbidities, operative outcomes, morbidity, mortality and long‑term biliary complications were analysed and compared between the groups. Results. Out of a total of 154 patients with confirmed choledocholithiasis, the trans‑ductal approach of LCBDE was applied to 77 patients. In 43 patients, clearance was done with choledochoscope (group CS+) and in 34 patients without it (group CS–). Gallstone related complications and comorbidities did not differ between the groups. Surgery was done 4 days after admission in both groups. Median duration of the operation was significantly shorter in the group CS–, 93 vs 120 minutes (p = 0.036), without any difference in conversion and complication rates. Clearance rate was markedly high in both groups. Conclusions. Transductal laparoscopic common bile duct exploration without choledochoscopy is a time‑saving, safe and effective way for CBD clearance, without additional equipment.

P-EGS02 Impact of delayed elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy on incidence and complications from gallstone ileus

BackgroundThe negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of elective surgery in the UK has been profound. Per the latest National figures, a total of 4.59 million patients are awaiting an elective operation (1). In our Trust, emergency operations and cancer service took precedence as we worked to minimize risks of COVID-19 while providing life-saving procedures. Subsequently, our ‘hot gallbladder’ operating list was put on hold for a period of 18 months. In our Trust, the current waiting time for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is 52 weeks for symptomatic gallstone disease. Gallstone ileus is a well-recognized but rare complication of gallstones (2) and needs operative treatment. We performed this study to investigate the impact of delayed cholecystectomy on the incidence of gallstone ileus and the morbidity and mortality associated with this.MethodsRetrospective study reviewing all acute admissions with gallstone ileus for 4 years from 2016 to 2020. Total number of patients was 19. Data collated from patient’s notes to include demographics and co-morbidities, operative notes, theatre records, and WebICE.ResultsDemographically, there was significant female preponderance (M : F : 1 : 18). Mean age of patients was 76.7 years. 17/19 patients underwent laparotomy as the primary operation (89%) and 1 (5%) had a laparoscopic procedure. 1 patient (5%) was managed conservatively. All patients had a CT scan as pre-operative imaging. 7 (34%) also had USS and 4 (20%) had MRCP. Mean length of stay in hospital was 13 days. 3 (15%) patients required re-admission to hospital for surgical and medical complications within 30 days. 3 (15%) patients returned to theatre for a second laparotomy within the index admission for recurrence of gallstone ileus. 8 (40%) patients had post-operative complications. There were 2 (10%) mortalities. 9 (45%) patients had gallstone related complications preceding their index presentation; majority (66%) which was calculous cholecystitis. The mean time between diagnosis of gallstone disease and emergency laparotomy for gallstone ileus was 38 months.ConclusionsGallstone ileus can be a life-threatening complication of gallstone disease and needs prompt recognition and treatment. Patients with known gallstones with symptoms of bowel obstruction should have a CT scan at time of presentation. Surgery is the mainstay treatment following resuscitation and concurrent conservative management. Early elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy can prevent mortality and morbidity from emergency laparotomy for gallstone ileus.

Beyond acute cholecystitis—gallstone-related complications and what the emergency radiologist should know

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the imaging features of complications of gallstones beyond the cystic duct on ultrasound (US), enhanced and nonenhanced computed tomography (CECT and NECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This article includes a brief overview of gallstone imaging and emerging trends in the detection of gallstones. This review article will highlight complications of gallstones, including choledocholithiasis, gallstone pancreatitis, acute cholangitis, Mirizzi syndrome, cholecystobiliary and cholecystoenteric fistulas, and gallstone ileus. Imaging findings and limitations of US, CT, MRI, and ERCP will be discussed. The review article will also briefly discuss the management of each disease. The presence of gallstones beyond the level of the cystic duct can lead to a spectrum of diseases, and emergency radiologists play a critical role in disease management by providing a timely diagnosis. Documenting the location of a gallstone within the common bile duct (CBD) in symptomatic cholelithiasis and the presence of acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis and/or ascending cholangitis plays a pivotal role in disease management. Establishing the presence of ectopic gallstones and biliary-enteric fistulae has a significant role in directing patient management.

Concomitant Cholecystectomy for Asymptomatic Gallstones in Bariatric Surgery-Safety Profile and Feasibility in a Large Tertiary Referral Bariatric Center.

Obesity is a risk factor for gallstone formation, which can be exacerbated by bariatric surgery-induced rapid weight loss. Current guidelines do not recommend concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) for asymptomatic gallstones during the bariatric surgery procedure. However, long-term follow-up studies have shown that the incidence of post-bariatric surgery symptomatic gallstones necessitating therapeutic cholecystectomy increases to 40%. Therefore, some surgeons advocate simultaneous cholecystectomy during the bariatric surgery for asymptomatic individuals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of performing cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstones during the bariatric procedure. Data from a consecutive series of patients that underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or conversion of LSG to a LRYGB with or without concomitant cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstones between Jan 2010 and Dec 2017 were retrieved from the database. The primary endpoint was the complication rate. Secondary endpoints were the surgical operating room time (ORT) and the length of hospital stay (LOS). Out of the 2828 patients who were included, 120 patients underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy during their bariatric procedure (LSG or LRYGB) for asymptomatic gallbladder stones and were compared to the 2708 remaining patients who only had bariatric surgery. None of the concomitant cholecystectomy patients developed a gallbladder-related complication. There was no significant increase in the rate of minor or major complications between the CC groups and the non-CC groups (LSG: 6.7% vs. 3.2%, p=0.132; LRYGB: 0% vs. 2.3%, p =0.55; and conversion of LSG to LRYGB: 20% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.125, respectively). In addition, there was no significant increase in the length of hospital stay (1.85 ±4.19 days vs. 2.24 ±1.82, p=0.404) for LSG group and (1.75 ±2.0 vs. 2.3 ±2.1, p=0.179) for LRYGB group. Adding the cholecystectomy to the bariatric procedure only added an average of 23 min (min) (27 min when added to LSG and 18 min when added to LRYGB). As one of the largest series reviewing concomitant cholecystectomy in bariatric surgery, this study showed that in skilled laparoscopic bariatric surgical hands, concomitant cholecystectomy during bariatric surgery is safe and prevents potential future gallstone-related complications. Long-term large prospective randomized trials are needed to further clarify the recommendation of prophylactic concomitant cholecystectomy during bariatric surgery.

EP.TH.917An Audit of Compliance with NICE guidelines for Acute Cholecystitis

Abstract Background Gallstone disease is common and affects approximately 10-15% of adults. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is the definitive management of cholecystitis. NICE and RCS guidance recommend that in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis a LC should be performed during the same admission or within 7 days. We audited our compliance against these national guidelines. Methods Retrospective audit of all patients admitted with uncomplicated acute cholecystitis over a 4 month period. Patient demographics, admission details, timing of cholecystectomy, complications, follow-up, and re-admission data were collected. Results 50 patients (60% female, 40% male; mean age: 60.7 years) with acute cholecystitis were included. Mean length of stay was 4.8 days. Only 10% had a cholecystectomy within 1 week of diagnosis. Of those discharged without a LC on the index admission, 14% were readmitted with further gallstone related complications (cholangitis, pancreatitis) within 48.6 days from initial discharge. The mean time to surgery after initial discharge was 125.8 days. Conclusion There is poor compliance with NICE guidelines to perform an early LC in our cohort of patients, primarily because of the lack of Trust based guidelines. This audit demonstrates the need to develop a robust ‘hot gallbladder’ pathway within our hospital to improve current practice.

EP.TH.386Management of acute gallstone-related complications at Great Western Hospital

AimGallstone-related disease accounts for a third of the admissions to the Surgical Department. In June 2019, an audit was undertaken at Great Western Hospital assessing the number of patients who underwent cholecystectomy, following initial diagnosis, in accordance to current guidelines. The results demonstrated a very low number of patients had cholecystectomy, within the targeted timeframe, which led to the implementation of a dedicated operative “hot gallbladder” list weekly. In June 2020, we re-audit the service to evaluate the impact of the change implemented.MethodsA retrospective observational analysis of patients admitted to the Hospital in June 2020 with gallstone-related disease. Data was collected using the Surgical on-call lists, these were analysed and patients selected according to the reason for admission. Only gallstone related issues were considered in this analysis. Finally, via Medway, the time from admission to surgery was assessed.ResultsDespite the disruption in service provision due to COVID-19, the implementation of the “hot gallbladder” list led to a 10.7% increase in timely cholecystectomies, bringing the overall compliance to 14%. There was also a significant reduction in biliary related re-admissions, from 58% to 37%. Despite 47.3% of patients were still awaiting surgery, the waiting list was reduced by 5.2% in only 1 year.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the implementation of the “hot gallbladder” list has improved the compliance with the current guidelines. The change has brought us in line with the national average of 15%, as estimated by RCSEng, therefore demonstrating the efficacy of the weekly list.

963 Management of Acute Gallstone-Related Complications at Great Western Hospital (GWH): Re-Audit

AimGallstone related disease accounts for a third of the admissions to the Surgical Department. In June 2019, a clinical audit was undertaken at Great Western Hospital assessing the number of patients who underwent cholecystectomy, following initial diagnosis, in accordance to current guidelines. The results demonstrated a very low number of patients had cholecystectomy, within the targeted time frame, which led to the implementation of a dedicated operative “hot gallbladder” list weekly. In June 2020, we re-audit the service to evaluate the impact of the change implemented.MethodA retrospective observational analysis of patients admitted to the Hospital in June 2020 with gallstone related disease. Data was collected using the Surgical on-call lists, these were analysed and patients selected according to the reason for admission, only gallstone related issues were considered in this analysis. Finally, via Medway, the time from admission to surgery was assessed.ResultsDespite the disruption in service provision due to COVID-19, the implementation of the “hot gallbladder” list led to a 10.7% increase in timely cholecystectomies, bringing the overall compliance to 14%. There was also a significant reduction in biliary relate re-admissions, from 58% to 37%. Despite 47.3% of patients were still awaiting surgery, the waiting list was reduced by 5.2% in only 1 year.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the implementation of the “hot gallbladder” list has improved the compliance with the current guidelines. The change has brought us in line with the national average of 15%, as estimated by RCSEng, therefore demonstrating the efficacy of the weekly list.

Percutaneous transcystic removal of gallbladder and common bile duct stones: a narrative review.

The incidence of gallstone-related complications is rising, thus leading to increases in waiting list times for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) provides immediate biliary drainage and may be used as an emergency option in a critically unwell patient as a bridge to surgery, or as the management option of a patient who is not fit for surgery. However, a significant number of these patients may be readmitted after PC with recurrent acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present review was to analyze the available literature surrounding the use of the transcystic approach, including the extraction and balloon expulsion method, in the management of patients with gallbladder stones and/or common bile duct (CBD) stones. The full text of 18 articles were reviewed, of which four were included in this review. Results showed an overall success rate of CBD stone extraction in 118 of 139 patients (84.9%), gallbladder stone extraction in 97 of 114 (85.0%), and CBD stone expulsion in 27 of 29 (93.1%). Percutaneous CBD and gallbladder stone extraction may be a safe management option for elderly or co-morbid patients who are not appropriate for surgical intervention. However, the evidence base surrounding this is very limited; therefore, further research is required in order to evaluate this in more detail.

Long-term outcome of patients with biliary pancreatitis not undergoing cholecystectomy. A retrospective study.

most acute pancreatitis cases are of biliary origin and cholecystectomy is recommended to prevent recurrence. However, some patients will never be referred for surgery. In this study, the long-term follow-up of this group of patients was reviewed. all new cases of biliary pancreatitis from January 2015 to December 2017 that did not undergo cholecystectomy were analyzed. Epidemiologic data and Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) were recorded. Recurrent episodes of pancreatitis or biliary events and mortality during the follow-up period were recorded. a total of 104 patients were included in the study (30.4 % of all biliary pancreatitis cases) and the median age was 82 years (range, 27-96). Average CCI was 5 (range, 0-18) and the median follow-up period was 37 months (range, 1-70). A total of 41 patients (39.4 %) had gallstone-related complications. Twenty-three patients (22,1 %) had recurrent pancreatitis and 34 (32,7 %) developed biliary events. Twenty-five patients died during follow-up (24 %) but only in 6 (5,8 %) was death due to gallstone-related complications. Non-related mortality was 15.5 % in patients who refused surgery and 25 % in multiple-comorbidity patients. patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy were at high risk for biliary events and pancreatitis recurrence. Conservative treatment and surgical abstention should be individualized and reserved for patients with multiple comorbidities with a short life expectancy.

Long-term outcome of patients with biliary pancreatitis not undergoing cholecystectomy: a retrospective study

Background and objective Most acute pancreatitis are of biliary origin and undergoing a cholecystectomy is recommended to prevent recurrence. However, some patients will never be referred to surgery. We reviewed the long-term follow-up of these group of patients Methods All cases of biliary pancreatitis presented from January 2015 to December 2017 that did not receive a cholecystectomy were analyzed. Epidemiologic data and Charlson comorbidity Index (CCI) were recorded. Recurrent episodes of pancreatitis or biliary events and mortality during the follow-up period was recorded. Results A total of 104 patients were included in the study (30.4% of all biliary pancreatitis). Median age was 82 years (range 27-96). Average CCI was 5 (range 0-18). The median follow-up period was 37 months (range 1-70). A total of 41 patients (39.4%) had gallstone-related complications. Twenty-three patients (22,1%) had recurrent pancreatitis and 34 (32,7%) developed biliary events. Decease occurred in 25 patients during follow-up (24%) but only 6 (5,8%) were due to gallstone-related complications. Non-related mortality was 15.5% in patients who refused surgery and 25% if high comorbidity patients. Conclusion Patients that are not cholecystectomized are at high risk for biliary event and pancreatitis recurrence. Conservative treatment and surgical abstention should be individualized and reserved to high comorbid patients with short life expectancy.

Risk of gallstone-related complications in necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated with a step-up approach: The experience of two tertiary care centers

BackgroundA minimally invasive step-up approach to necrotizing biliary pancreatitis often requires multiple interventions, delaying cholecystectomy. The risk of gallstone-related complications during this time interval is unknown, as is the feasibility and safety of cholecystectomy after minimally invasive step-up treatment. In this paper, we analyzed both. MethodsNecrotizing pancreatitis patients treated with a minimally invasive step-up approach who underwent interval cholecystectomy at 2 tertiary care centers between 2014 and 2019 were included. Gallstone-related complications prior to cholecystectomy were examined, as were surgical approaches to cholecystectomy and complications. Necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated without mechanical intervention were also examined. ResultsSeven of 31 patients developed gallstone-related complications between minimally invasive step-up treatment initiation and cholecystectomy. One patient developed biliary colic. Six patients developed acute cholecystitis. Two of these patients also developed choledocholithiasis, and 1 developed cholangitis, all requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Cholecystectomy was performed laparoscopically in 27 of 31 patients. One patient required open conversion, and 3 patients underwent planned cholecystectomy during another open operation. Four patients developed postoperative complications. Two of 14 necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated without mechanical intervention developed recurrent pancreatitis while awaiting cholecystectomy. ConclusionOver 20% of necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated by a minimally invasive step-up approach developed gallstone-related complications while awaiting cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe in the great majority of necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated by a minimally invasive step-up approach.

Gallstone-Related Complications after Untreated Biliary Colic: A 6-Month Readmissions Study

Gallstone-Related Complications after Untreated Biliary Colic: A 6-Month Readmissions Study

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Gallstone Extraction in High-Risk Patients: An Alternative to Cholecystectomy or Long-Term Drainage?

Acute cholecystitis in nonsurgical candidates is often managed with cholecystostomy tube drainage. After symptom resolution, management options include cholecystectomy, long-term tube drainage, or tube removal. Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL) can offer another therapeutic option for patients who are poor operative candidates. A retrospective study of PCCL performed between December 2000 and September 2017 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, procedure details, gallstone-related complications, procedure-related complications, readmission, and mortality data were collected. Seventy-five patients were identified (52.0% male, 48.0% female, mean ± SD age 75.6±13.9 years). Mean ± SD follow-up time was 2.8 ± 3.7 years. Most of the patients (90.7%) had an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of 3 or 4. Eleven patients (14.7%) had failed earlier cholecystectomy. A total of 96 PCCL procedures were performed, and complete gallstone removal was achieved in 68 of 75 patients (90.7%), including all patients with previously aborted cholecystectomy. The 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were 4% and 8%, respectively. Three patients (3.9%) subsequently underwent cholecystectomy after PCCL. Ten (10.4%) procedure-related complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II) and 17 (22.7%) gallstone-related complications occurred during the follow-up period. Postprocedural choledocholithiasis occurred in 6 patients (8.0%). Recurrent gallstones developed in 5 patients (6.3%) (3 patients undergoing cholecystectomy and 2 patients treated with cholecystostomy tube). PCCL is a viable option for management of symptomatic gallbladder stones in high-risk surgical patients. There is a high technical success rate, even in patients with earlier failed cholecystectomy. Most patients (77.3%) avoided gallstone-related complications after the procedure.

Mystery of the lost gallstone-Part 2.

If gallbladder perforation occurs during cholecystectomy, every spilled gallstone should be retrieved to minimize possible late gallstone‐related complications.

A Multicenter Randomized Prospective Study of Early Cholecystectomy for Pediatric Patients with Biliary Colic

BackgroundIn patients with biliary colic, high-quality prospective data supporting the precise timing of cholecystectomy are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children with biliary colic. MethodsA multicenter, parallel-group, randomized study was conducted in patients with biliary colic at 5 hospitals in China. Pediatric patients with biliary colic were prospectively randomized to either the early cholecystectomy or conservative management strategy. The clinical outcomes within 6 months, including the number of biliary colic-free patients and gallstone-related complications, were compared (register number ChiCTR1900021830). ResultsDuring the first 2 months of follow-up, 71 patients (59.2%, 71/120) receiving conservative management and 124 patients (97.6%, 124/127) in the early cholecystectomy group (p < 0.001) reported being entirely colic-free. The GIQLI measures were higher in the early cholecystectomy group than in the conservative management group (p = 0.032). Acute readmissions occurred in 7 (5.5%) of 127 patients in the early cholecystectomy group, compared with 23 (19.2%) of 120 patients in the conservative management group (risk ratio [RR] 0.25; 95% CI [0.10–0.60], p = 0.001) in the 6-month period. ConclusionsEarly cholecystectomy is effective in providing beneficial outcomes in terms of both short-term and long-term improvement of symptoms.

Mystery of the lost gallstone-Part 1.

If gallbladder perforation occurs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, every spilled gallstone should be retrieved to minimize possible late gallstone‐related septic complications.

Index cholecystectomy rates in mild gallstone pancreatitis: a single-centre experience.

Gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) has evidence-based guidelines regarding management. Both the International Association of Pancreatology/American Pancreatology Association and American College of Gastroenterology recommend index admission cholecystectomy (IAC) in patients presenting with mild GSP. The aim of this study was to examine guideline adherence and GSP recurrence rate when IAC was not performed. A comparison between admitting specialty was also performed to examine the difference in compliance rates. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who presented to the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service with GSP from December 2013 to December 2016. Patient demographics, timing of surgery, admitting specialty, laboratory and imaging results were recorded. A total of 95 patients were identified with a first presentation of mild GSP during the study period. Of whom, 66 (69.5%) underwent IAC and 29 (30.5%) were discharged prior to cholecystectomy with 10 of those patients receiving index admission endoscopic sphincterotomy. Five patients (17%) who did not receive IAC were readmitted with gallstone-related complications with the mean time to re-presentation of 12.8 days (range 7-21 days). Patients were more likely to receive IAC when admitted under surgery compared with gastroenterology (76% versus 20%, P < 0.001). Two out of three patients presenting with mild GSP underwent IAC in accordance with evidence-based management guidelines. Patients should be admitted under a surgical service to prevent delay in definitive management.

Bile Duct Stones Predict a Requirement for Cholecystectomy in Older Patients

BackgroundThe requirement for elective cholecystectomy in older patients is unclear. To determine predictors for requiring elective cholecystectomy in older patients, a prospective cohort study was performed.MethodsAll patients with gallstone disease who presented to our department from 2006 to 2018 were included if they met the following criteria: (1) age 75 years or older, (2) presentation for elective cholecystectomy, and (3) preoperative diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis. Two therapeutic options, elective surgery and a wait-and-see approach, were offered at their initial visit. Enrolled patients were assigned to one arm of the study according to their choice of the therapeutic options. The primary endpoint was the incidence of gallstone-related complications. The endpoint was compared between patients who underwent cholecystectomy (CH group) and those who chose a wait-and-see approach (No-CH group).ResultsDuring the study period, there were 344 patients in the CH group and 161 in the No-CH group. Among patients with a history of bile duct stones, the incidence of gallstone-related complications in the No-CH group was significantly higher (45% within 3 years, including two gallstone-related deaths) than that in the CH group (RR 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.50–4.77, p = 0.0009). Among patients with no history of bile duct stones, the incidence of gallstone-related complications in the No-CH group reached only 10% over the 12 years.ConclusionCholecystectomy is recommended for older patients with both histories of cholecystolithiasis and bile duct stones, whereas a wait-and-see approach is preferable for patients with no bile duct stone history. A history of bile duct stones is a good predictor for cholecystectomy in older patients.

Endoscopic sphincterotoMy for delayIng choLecystectomy in mild acute biliarY pancreatitis (EMILY study): protocol of a multicentre randomised clinical trial

IntroductionAccording to the literature, early cholecystectomy is necessary to avoid complications related to gallstones after an initial episode of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). A randomised, controlled multicentre trial (the PONCHO...

The impact of empiric endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy on future gallstone-related complications in patients with non-severe acute biliary pancreatitis whose cholecystectomy was deferred or not performed.

Early cholecystectomy (EC) is recommended in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). In real-life practice, cholecystectomy is frequently deferred due to various reasons and delayed cholecystectomy (DC) is performed instead. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is an alternative to prevent recurrent pancreatitis, however other gallstone-related complications (GCs) may still develop. We aimed to determine the impact of ES on future GCs in patients with non-severe acute biliary pancreatitis whose cholecystectomy was deferred or not performed. During 2006-2016, we included patients with non-severe ABP while those with severe pancreatitis and concurrent cholangitis were excluded. GC events were compared between those who had DC with ES and those who had DC without ES. A similar comparison was made in patients with and without ES who did not receive cholecystectomy. Of 266 patients with ABP, non-severe ABP was identified in 146. Only 16 (11%) had EC. Of patients with non-severe ABP who underwent DC (n = 88), recurrent ABP in the ES group was lower than those from the non-ES group (2% vs. 17%; p = 0.01). Acute cholecystitis was found in 0%, 6% and 10% of patients with EC, DC and those without cholecystectomy (p = 0.39). Of those who did not undergo cholecystectomy (n = 42), recurrent ABP in the ES group was still lower than the non-ES group (4% vs. 36%; p = 0.006). ES related complications were mild pancreatitis (4%) and post sphincterotomy bleeding (5%). In patient with non-severe ABP, ES is an alternative to reduce recurrent ABP, however without EC, future cholecystitis may still develop.