The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the outcomes of early versus delayed cholecystectomy following mild biliary pancreatitis in Nepalese patients.

This was a hospital-based prospective observational study performed at a tertiary academic center from September 2020 to August 2021.

Patients diagnosed with acute mild biliary pancreatitis according to the Revised Atlanta classification 2012 were enrolled from the Emergency/Outpatient Department. Detailed history taking and thorough general and systemic examinations were conducted. Eligible patients were informed about treatment options (early vs. delayed LC) and provided informed written consent. Randomization into "early" or "delayed" groups was performed, and detailed investigations were conducted. To avoid bias, randomization was accomplished by lottery method. In the early group, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed during the same admission, while delayed group patients underwent surgery after symptom resolution and readmission. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia with standard laparoscopic techniques with surgeons of equivalent qualifications. Postoperative care included analgesics and antibiotics, with follow-up examinations and histopathological assessments conducted at specified intervals. Oral intake and pain management protocols were implemented postoperatively, with patients monitored for recovery and instructed to return to normal activities after staple removal. Patients were asked to complete a visual analog pain score (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (intolerable pain) on the seventh postoperative day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients (>18 years of age) who presented with the diagnosis of acute mild biliary pancreatitis in our hospital were included after obtaining written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with severe sepsis, acute moderate and severe pancreatitis, immunocompromised conditions, biliary peritonitis, cholangitis, pregnancy, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) and those who declined to provide consent.

Patients diagnosed with acute mild biliary pancreatitis according to the Revised Atlanta classification 2012 were enrolled from the Emergency/Outpatient Department.Eligible patients were informed about treatment options (early vs. delayed LC) and provided informed written consent. Randomization into "early" or "delayed" groups was performed, and detailed investigations were conducted. To avoid bias, randomization was accomplished by lottery method. In the early group, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed during the same admission, while delayed group patients underwent surgery after symptom resolution and readmission.

Types of IPD to be Shared:

Demographic data of the participants (age, gender, comorbidities). Data on the severity of biliary pancreatitis. Surgical outcomes, including the length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy.

Data on recurrent biliary events and perioperative complications.

Groups and Time Frame:

The study divided participants into two groups:

Early Cholecystectomy Group:

Intervention: Underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within a short period after diagnosis of acute mild biliary pancreatitis.

Time Frame: Mean hospital stay of 5.42 ± 1.01 days.

Delayed Cholecystectomy Group:

Intervention: Underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after an extended period following the initial diagnosis.

Time Frame: Mean hospital stay of 9.36 ± 1.53 days.

Data Sharing Mechanism:

Data will be available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Data will be available for a period of 1 year.

Researchers must provide a clear scientific rationale for requesting the data. Data will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Requests must detail the intended use of the data and ensure it aligns with the ethical guidelines, ensuring patient confidentiality.