What is the treatment of acute cholangitis when severity is mild (Grade I)?

This protocol applies to patients diagnosed with acute cholangitis of mild severity (Grade I) — specifically those whose presentation does not meet the criteria for Grade II (moderate) or Grade III (severe) acute cholangitis at initial diagnosis.

Grade I acute cholangitis is defined by the absence of the organ dysfunction and specific severity markers required for moderate or severe grading. Correct severity classification at initial assessment is essential to selecting the appropriate management pathway.

Where the underlying etiology still requires treatment, management involves a targeted procedural intervention directed at the biliary cause. The approach may draw on endoscopic, percutaneous, or surgical options — the structured protocol specifies the decision criteria and sequencing among these.