Operating Time and Length of Stay Evaluation and Correlation Analysis of Three Treatment Modalities for Choledocholithiasis: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital and Review

Abstract

Background: Operating time (OT) and length of stay (LOS) are widely recognized as objective indicators of healthcare quality and procedural efficiency. Choledocholithiasis is treated with three treatment modalities: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), laparoscopic (LCBDE) and open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Therefore, evaluation of OT and LOS among these three procedures, particularly in Indonesia, are necessary.

Objective: This study evaluates operating time and length of stay and its correlation across three treatment modalities for choledocholithiasis and compares the findings with those reported in previous studies abroad.

Method: A retrospective comparative study was conducted using secondary data from medical records of patients treated for choledocholithiasis with ERCP, LCBDE, or OCBDE at Sardjito Hospital between 2023 and 2026. Data about operating time and length of hospital stay were collected and compared among treatment modalities using appropriate statistical methods.

Result: The average OT and LOS for ERCP were 89.54 minutes and 3 days, respectively. For LCBDE, the average OT and LOS were 129.67 minutes and 5 days, respectively. For OCBDE, the average OT and LOS were 115.02 minutes and 8 days, respectively. Operating time showed a weak correlation with postoperative LOS but no significant correlation with total LOS.

Conclusion: ERCP is the shortest OT and LOS modality. LCBDE had the longest OT, while OCBDE had the longest LOS. No significant difference of OT between LCBDE and OCBDE. Review of previous studies show differences in LOS influenced by drainage management, time to residual stone evaluation, and postoperative complications.