مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a new established unit: A retrospective study

Abstract :

Aim. The useage of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is gradually increasing in reccent years. Recently ERCP is used for the treatment of pancreaticobilier system pathologies rather than diagnosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP procedure can result in complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding and perforation. In this study, we aimed to investigate complications of ERCP in our newly established ERCP unit. Method. The study involved retrospective analysis of 77 in consecutive patients who underwent ERCP in the ERCP ünit of Erzurum Region and Education Hospital between December 2008 and August 2009. Results. Totally 97 ERCP procedures were performed in 77 consecutive patients and 85/97 (87.6%) procedures was successful. ERCP-related complications determined 2/77 (2.6%) pancreatitis, 15/77 (19.5%) increase in the level of amylase, 1/77 (1.3%) infections, 1/77 (1.3%) bleeding and 1/77 (1.3%) perforation. There was no ERCP-related deaths. Conclusion. Serious complications may be seen such as perforation, sepsis, bleeding and pancreatitis in the ERCP procedure. Therefore the indications of ERCP should be determined exactly and the procedures should be performed for the treatment of pancreaticobilier system pathologies rather than diagnosis.