1. Study involved 789 patients across Spain and Mexico.
2. Biliary sludge/microlithiasis led to fewer complications than gallstones.
3. Complications: 41.7% (gallstones) vs 32.1% (sludge/microlithiasis).
4. Higher severe pancreatitis in gallstone group (7.3% vs 2.5%).
5. Questions raised on necessity of cholecystectomy for sludge/microlithiasis.
6. Median hospital stay was 6 days for both groups.

Source: Digestive and Liver Disease