Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) Complications: Our Experience and Comparison with the Literature

Aim: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive method used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary disorders. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) may lead to serious complications including pancreatitis, bleeding, cholangitis, and perforation. In this study, we compare our experience with post-ERCP complications with the literature. Material and Method: A total of 339 patients who underwent ERCP, including 176 (51.9%) female and 163 (48.1%) male patients, were retrospectively evaluated. Hemogram, sedimentation, C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase, gama-glutamil-tranferase, total direct bilirubin, and amylase and lipase activities were recorded both before and 24-72 h after ERCP. The rates of post-ERCP complications of pancreatitis, bleeding, and cholangitis rates were evaluated. Results: A total of 339 patients who underwent ERCP, including 176 (51.9%) female and 163 (48.1%) male patients, were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 339 patients, pancreatitis occurred in 26 (7.6%), bleeding in 15 (4.4%), and cholangitis in 11 (3.2%). The patients with pancreatitis had a mean age of 56±17 years and the patients without pancreatitis had a mean age of 60±14 years; however, no significant difference was found (p>0.05). The patients with bleeding had a mean age of 67±13 years and the patients without bleeding had a mean age of 59±15 years; a significant difference was found. Discussion: The study shows that the incidence of post-ERCP bleeding increases with age. The most effective way of reducing ERCP complications in elderly patients is to avoid unnecessary ERCP