Publication:

Indications and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures in a tertiary care centre

Background ERCP is commonly performed for the management of choledocholithiasis, diagnosis and management of biliary and pancreatic neoplasms, and postoperative management of biliary perioperative complications. The aim of this study was to review the indications and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in a tertiary care centre.

Methods From April 2012 to March 2016, consecutive patients undergoing ERCP procedure in medical and surgical gastroenterology department were included in the study. Patients with any previous papillary intervention like papillotomy, sphincterotomy or stent placement were excluded from the study. Patients’ demographic characters, ERCP indications and post-ERCP complications were reviewed.

Results Four hundred and ninety patients were included in the study. Among them male patients were 240 and females were 250. Mean age was 44.6 years and the age range was 18 to 82 years. Most common indication for ERCP was choledocholithiasis (N = 377, 76.93%). and malignant obstructive jaundice (N = 57, 11.63%). Post ERCP complications developed in 29 patients (5.91%). Pancreatitis was the most common post-ERCP complication.

Conclusions ERCP is a safe procedure. ERCP complications in our center are similar to those reported from other centres.