Implementation of trans-cystic biliary stenting during acute cholecystectomy to facilitate elective ERCP: a quality improvement initiative.

Background: A predominantly endoscopic approach for acute admissions with choledocholithiasis with a gallbladder in situ (CGIS) resulted in prolonged hospital length of stay due to delays at investigation and treatment junctures. We initiated a quality improvement program of trans-cystic biliary stenting to facilitate efficient patient progress to acute cholecystectomy and outpatient ERCP if required.

Methods: We utilized implementation frameworks with regular re-assessment for this quality improvement project. Patients who required both ERCP and cholecystectomy for management of CGIS were identified for comparison of total length of stay before and after implementation. The outcomes for stent insertion and ERCP were also collected for analysis.

Results: Twenty-three trans-cystic stents were attempted with 22 inserted successfully. The median total length of stay for all patients requiring both ERCP and cholecystectomy for management of CGIS was shorter compared to 6 months prior to implementation (5 days (range 3-18) vs. 6 days (range 5-17); P = 0.009). The median stenting time was 14 min (range 9-48). After stent insertion, more ERCPs were performed as day-only outpatient cases (20/23 (87.0%) vs. 6/44 (13.6%) P < 0.001). The rate of pancreatic duct wire cannulation at ERCP was also lower (1/23 (4.3%) vs. 18/44 (40.9%); P = 0.002). No complications of stent insertion or ERCP were recorded in the study cohort.

Conclusion: Implementation of trans-cystic stents can lead to reductions in total hospital length of stay and improve ERCP processes. Our experience suggests that surgical initiatives can be successfully added to routine practice by establishing a project team and applying quality improvement principles.