All research presented at ACG 2025 is strictly embargoed until 12:00 pm local Arizona Time, which aligns with Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/3:00 pm ET on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Oral 35 – Early versus Delayed Cholecystectomy in Patients Admitted for Choledocholithiasis: Impact on Biliary Complications and Role of Sphincterotomy or Stenting
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 9:40 AM – 9:50 AM PDT | North Ballroom 120BC
Author Insight from Jessica El Halabi, MD, MBI
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
In patients undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis, performing cholecystectomy during the same hospital admission is associated with a >15-fold reduction in biliary complications compared with delaying surgery. Most adverse events occur within the first 90 days post-discharge. Significantly, prior sphincterotomy or stent placement does not mitigate this elevated risk.
What do patients need to know?
If you’re treated with ERCP for gallbladder stones, getting your gallbladder removed before leaving the hospital is generally the safest approach. Waiting significantly increases the risk of recurrent gallbladder problems in the months after discharge.
Author Contact
Jessica L. Halabi, MD, MBI
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD
jelhala1 [at] jhmi.edu
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