Early endoscopic treatment reduces hospital stay in acute biliary pancreatitis

A meta-analysis of 8,801 patients indicated that early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute biliary pancreatitis is as safe as delayed ERCP. Notably, early ERCP significantly reduces hospital stay without increasing complications or mortality rates. These findings suggest that early intervention could enhance patient outcomes and warrant wider clinical adoption, offering substantial relief from the economic burden associated with prolonged hospitalization.