Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not necessary in mild gallstone pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

The role of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in gallstone pancreatitis is unclear. Therefore, we designed a study to establish whether ERCP is indicated in these cases.

METHOD

We studied 55 patients who had been admitted with gallstone pancreatitis. All of them had mild pancreatitis (Ranson's criteria <3). ERCP was carried out within 4 days of admission, once the liver function tests and serum amylase had returned to normal levels.

RESULTS

ERCP did not demonstrate common bile duct stones in any of the patients. All patients then underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the same admission.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ERCP is not indicated for patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis.