Race against time: does faster bile duct drainage save lives?

This study aimed to find out if performing a bile duct drainage procedure (called ERCP) within 24 hours of hospital arrival is better than doing it between 24 and 48 hours for patients with a serious gallbladder infection called acute cholangitis. Researchers compared these two timing strategies in 304 patients to see which one more effectively reduced the risk of death within 30 days. The goal was to provide clearer guidance on the best time to perform this critical procedure.