What must be performed during hospital admission if a patient has confirmed gallstone pancreatitis?

• A. Percutaneous drainage
• B. Cholecystectomy
• C. ERCP
• D. Medical management

Answer: (B)

In the case of confirmed gallstone pancreatitis, early intervention is crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing complications. Cholecystectomy, or the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is the definitive treatment for gallstone pancreatitis. The underlying cause of the condition is the presence of gallstones that obstruct the common bile duct, leading to inflammation of the pancreas.

Performing cholecystectomy early in the hospital admission, especially if the patient is stable, can help prevent future episodes of pancreatitis as well as complications related to gallstones. It is typically recommended to conduct the surgery within a few days of admission, provided the patient’s condition allows for it.

Other options may be appropriate in certain contexts but do not address the underlying problem in the same way. For example, while percutaneous drainage can be effective in managing complications like abscesses, it does not resolve the issue of gallstones. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to relieve bile duct obstruction, but this is usually a temporary measure, as it does not prevent recurrence. Medical management focuses on supportive care but does not treat the root cause. Therefore, performing a cholecystectomy is essential to address gallstone