NCT07517627

Optimal Timings of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy After ERCP in Patients With Gallstones Along With CBD Stones

Comparative Analysis of Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Patients of Cholelithiasis With Choledocholithiasis

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Rija Zainab · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 14 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the mean operative time and outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy after ERCP in patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. Patients will be randomized into two groups: early cholecystectomy (within 72 hours of ERCP) and delayed cholecystectomy (≥1 month after ERCP). Outcomes include operative time, intra-operative blood loss, hospital stay, and conversion to open cholecystectomy

Detailed description

Gallstones are among the most common surgical problems worldwide, and up to 20% of patients with gallstones also present with stones in the common bile duct. Standard care involves clearance of bile duct stones, typically by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), followed by removal of the gallbladder by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The timing of cholecystectomy after ERCP remains debated. Early LC (within 72 hours) has been associated with fewer recurrent biliary events, reduced hospital stay, and potentially easier operative conditions. However, delayed LC (after one month) continues to be widely practiced due to institutional factors and scheduling constraints. This randomized controlled trial at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, is designed to evaluate whether early LC after ERCP offers measurable advantages compared with delayed LC. Patients with confirmed cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis will be randomized into two groups: early surgery and delayed surgery. The trial will provide local evidence to guide surgical practice, focusing on operative efficiency and patient recovery. By clarifying the optimal timing of LC after ERCP in our patient population, the study aims to support evidence-based surgical decision-making, improve outcomes, and potentially reduce healthcare costs.

Conditions

• Cholelithiasis Associated With Common Bile Duct Stones

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy	Laparoscopic removal of gall bladder within 72hours of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
PROCEDURE	Delayed Laparoscopic cholecystectomy	Laparoscopic removal of gall bladder 2 weeks or more after successful ERCP

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-05
• Primary completion: 2026-10-01
• Completion: 2026-10-01
• First posted: 2026-04-08
• Last updated: 2026-04-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan