MANAGEMENT OF CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARISON OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND LAPAROSCOPIC COMMON BILE DUCT EXPLORATION

The objective of this study was to compare the management outcomes endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for choledocholithiasis in Pakistan, based on a sample size 150 patients. A retrospective analysis conducted patients diagnosed with who underwent either ERCP (n=75) or LCBDE at tertiary care hospital Pakistan. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, postoperative outcomes, complications were collected analyzed. Primary outcome measures included stone clearance rates, complications, length stay, cost-effectiveness. patients, 75 each group. rate significantly higher group (82.7%) compared (68.0%). However, had lower incidence (12.0%) than (24.0%). mean stay shorter (4.2 days) (6.1 days). Cost revealed that more cost-effective LCBDE. In managing choledocholithiasis, are effective treatment options demonstrated (82.7%), while terms cost-effectiveness, found be favorable.