ERCP Versus PTBD for Severe Acute Cholangitis Caused by Bile Duct Stones

Severe acute cholangitis (AC) due to common bile duct stones is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent biliary decompression. While both ERCP and PTBD are established minimally invasive options, the optimal choice remains under discussion. This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare these two interventions. A total of 126 patients with severe AC (Tokyo Guidelines 2018 Grade II or III) were randomized to either the ERCP group (n=63) or the PTBD group (n=63). Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence with concealed allocation. While operators could not be blinded, outcome assessors and data analysts were. The study hypothesis is that ERCP, as a more direct route for potential stone removal and drainage, may facilitate a quicker overall recovery compared to PTBD. The trial evaluates procedural outcomes, recovery metrics, therapeutic efficacy, inflammatory markers, and safety profiles to provide evidence for clinical decision-making.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for acute cholangitis according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18), and were diagnosed through physical examination, ultrasound, CT, or MRCP showing common bile duct stones as the cause of obstruction.
• Body temperature <36°C or >38°C.
• Presence of jaundice or signs of organ dysfunction (e.g., hypotension responsive to fluids for Grade II, or requiring vasopressors for Grade III, altered mental status, etc.).
• Patients who signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with concurrent diseases such as gastric perforation or active gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to cholangitis.
• Patients with acute pancreatitis as the primary diagnosis.
• Patients with serious primary diseases in the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, hematopoietic, or nervous systems contraindicating either procedure.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Patients with cognitive dysfunction unable to provide consent.
• Known pancreatobiliary malignancy as the cause of obstruction.
• Severe liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) or liver atrophy.
• Patients with severe systemic primary diseases, who could not tolerate the anesthesia or procedure.
• Patients with mental disorders, hematologic diseases (e.g., severe coagulopathy uncorrectable pre-procedure), autoimmune diseases directly impacting biliary system, or those using high-dose corticosteroids affecting inflammatory markers.
• Patients participating in other clinical drug trials.
• Previous ERCP or PTBD for the current episode of cholangitis.