[Timing of surgical treatment for gallstone pancreatitis]

To evaluate the timing of surgery in the treatment of gallstone pancreatitis (GP).

The records of 53 patients with GP were retrospectively analysed.

The morbidity and mortality of early surgical treatment (less than 48 hours after admission) were 29.20% and 9.30%, respectively, in contrast to 3.50% and 0 in patients who underwent delayed surgical treatment (more than 48 hours after admission) (P < 0.05). In mild gallstone pancreatitis (APACHE-II 8), the timing of surgery was related to the morbidity and mortality, namely, they were higher in early surgery than in delayed surgery.

We suggest delayed surgical treatment for mild gallstone pancreatitis, and delayed and selective surgery for severe gallstone pancreatitis.