FREQUENCY OF EARLY POST-ERCP ADVERSE EVENTS IN BOTH DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used for diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary disorders. However, there are many adverse events associated with this procedure. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of early post-ERCP adverse events in both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in our set-up. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Gastroenterology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from 20th December, 2016 to 20th January, 2017. Consecutive sampling technique was used. Patients undergoing ERCP whether diagnostic or therapeutic, irrespective of age and gender, were included. Those having evidence of pancreatitis, cholangitis, or previous ERCP, or abdominal surgery were excluded. The outcome was early post-ERCP complications including pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding and perforation. The patients were assessed for these complications immediately and 72 hours after the procedure. Demographic data like age and gender were recorded. The data regarding early post-ERCP complications were recorded and presented as frequencies. Results: Total 102 patients were included in the study. Among these, 38(37.3%) were males and 64 (62.7%) females. Mean age of patients included was 50.89±15.67 years (range 8 to 90 years). Overall post-ERCP complications were noted in 6(5.88%) patients. The most common complication was cholangitis in 5(4.9%) patients, followed by pancreatitis in only one (0.98%). Bleeding and perforation occurred in none of our patients. Conclusion: The most common Post-ERCP complication is cholangitis. Based on our findings, we suggest closer monitoring of patients undergoing ERCP for development of infection. Proper disinfection protocols should be followed to prevent infection.

Keywords

• common bile duct
• endoscopic retrograde, cholangiopancreatography
• cholangitis
• pancreatitis.