Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze clinical findings and treatment outcomes of patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a very common procedure for the evaluation and treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases.

Patients and methods: A retrospective review of 2447 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures and their complications since Apr 2006 till Dec 2010 was conducted to identify their incidence, optimal management, and clinical outcomes.

Results: 2447 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were performed. Overall, complications developed in 168 (6.9%) cases: perforation in 10 (0.4%), hemorrhage in 4 (0.16%) and mild to severe pancreatitis in 154 (6.3%). The patients mean age was 66± 6 yrs with females/ males of 1432(58.5%)/ 1015(41.5%).  Abdominal pain, nausea, leukocytosis and hyperamylasemia were most common findings in these patients. Surgery was performed for 6 patients (0.24%). The most hospital station was 20 days: surgical group 7±2 days, pancreatitis 11± 4 days and average 6 days for others.

Conclusion: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography remains the endoscopic procedure that carries a high risk for morbidity and or mortality. The majority of events are of mild-to-moderate severity and when surgery should be done, it depends upon the clinicopathological condition and we don't advise pyloric exclusion, gastrojejunostomy and duodenal diversion for these patients.