DOES EARLY LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AFTER ERCP OFFERS SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT IN SURGICAL OUTCOME? A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN EARLY AND LATE GROUPS

Abstract

Introduction:- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) prior to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy(LC) is most commonly practiced strategy worldwide for management of co-existing cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis. The time interval between Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) and Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is questionable and varies from 1 day to 6 weeks in different studies. Aims and objectives:- To compare two groups of patients managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (after ERCP), EARLY(24 to 72 hours), and LATE(> 6weeks) in terms of mean operative time in minutes, intraoperative difculties, conversion rates to open cholecystectomy, conversion rates to open cholecystectomy, drain insertion required or not, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay. Materials and methods:- A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted on 70 patients who presented with concomitant cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis over a period of January 2019 to June 2020 at the Department of General Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur. After ERCP and stone retrieval patients were randomised into 2 groups using sealed envelope method. Group A underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (24 to 72hours) and Group B underwent late laparoscopic cholecystectomy (after 6 weeks). Data collected, statistical analysis done, results and observations concluded. Result:- We found that mean operative time, intraoperative difculties, post operative complications and mean hospital stay in days were signicantly higher in Group B as compared to Group A. Though the conversion rates to open procedure and requirement of drain insertion were comparatively higher in Group B but were found to be statistically non signicant. Conclusion:- We hereby conclude that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (24 to 72 hours) after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is better as compared to late laparoscopic cholecystectomy (>6 weeks) after ERCP in patients of cholelithiasis with coexisting choledocholithiasis. So, we recommend performing early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (24-72hours) after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)