Management of Biliary Acute Pancreatitis and Timing of Cholecystectomy: Experience from Joseph Imbert Hospital in Arles

Biliary acute pancreatitis (BAP) is a frequent and potentially severe condition requiring appropriate and timely management to reduce complications and recurrence. This study reviews the clinical characteristics and therapeutic approaches to BAP, with a particular focus on the timing of cholecystectomy. The analysis highlights a discrepancy between current international guidelines, which recommend performing cholecystectomy during the same hospitalization, and real-life practices in a regional hospital in France. A significant delay in surgical intervention was observed in most cases, mainly due to limited access to operating rooms and patient-related factors. Despite these delays, the majority of patients had favorable outcomes, although the risk of recurrence remains a concern. This review underscores the need for improved healthcare organization and prioritization of early cholecystectomy to align clinical practice with evidence-based recommendations.