Abstract:Objective To evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild biliary pancreatitis within 72 h after admission (early operation group) and 72 h after admission (delayed operation group) through meta-analysis.Methods The published literatures on the timing of cholecystectomy for mild biliary pancreatitis were searched in Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMBASE and Chinese databases (CNKI,CQVIP and Wanfang databases).The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the databases to October 20, 2020.Results A total of 18 articles (8 randomized controlled trials and 10 retrospective analysis) were included ，involving 2 530 patients.Meta-analysis results showed that there were no significant differences in complications,rate of conversion to laparotomy,operation time and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) utilization between two groups (P>0.05).Compared with those in delayed operation group,the hospitalization time was shorter ［SMD=-1.73,95% CI(-2.43，-1.02),P<0.01］,and the readmission rate was lower ［RR=0.34,95%CI(0.14,0.84),P=0.02］ in early operation group.During the waiting period for surgery,the incidence of gallstone-related complications (including biliary colic,recurrent pancreatitis,cholecystitis,jaundice and cholangitis) was 26.00% in delayed operation group.conclusions For the patients with mild biliary pancreatitis,early laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safe and effective,shorten the hospital stay and reduce the readmission rate and the incidence of gallstone related events.However,the operation indications and contraindications should be strictly mastered.