What is the most common complication of ERCP?

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is the most frequent complication, occurring in about 3 to 5 percent of people undergoing ERCP. When it occurs, it is usually mild, causing abdominal pain and nausea, which resolve after a few days in the hospital. Rarely pancreatitis may be more severe.

What are the complications after ERCP?

The most frequent complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy are pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage, and duodenal perforation.

Can ERCP cause perforation?

Common complications include pancreatitis, bleeding, cholangitis, and perforation. Overall, the procedure carries a death rate of 1.0% to 1.5%. ERCP-related perforations occur in about 1% of patients, and the injury carries a death rate of 16% to 18%.

What happens after ERCP procedure?

What should I expect after ERCP?

• You will most often stay at the hospital or outpatient center for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure so the sedation or anesthesia can wear off.
• You may have bloating or nausea for a short time after the procedure.
• You may have a sore throat for 1 to 2 days.

Can a blocked bile duct fix itself?

Obstruction of any of these bile ducts is referred to as a biliary obstruction. Many of the conditions related to biliary obstructions can be treated successfully. However, if the blockage remains untreated for a long time, it can lead to life-threatening diseases of the liver.

How long does it take to recover from an ERCP?

It should take between a few hours to a few days to heal after an ERCP. Generally, you should feel ready to resume your regular diet, level of activity, and bowel movements within a few days after an uncomplicated procedure.

Is it normal to have pain after an ERCP?

Some patients have pain following ERCP due to the large volume of air insufflated during the procedure. This results in bowel distention and painful spasm. In addition to pain, asymptomatic elevations in the amylase and/or lipase often occur following ERCP, with no clinical sequelae.

What is duodenal perforation?

Duodenal perforation is a rare, life threatening injury associated with non-accidental blunt abdominal trauma. Diagnostic delay is common, as the true history is concealed and signs may be minimal. Double contrast computed tomography is the most sensitive investigation to confirm clinical suspicion.

How is an ERCP test done?

The Procedure An ERCP uses x-ray films and is performed in an x-ray room. The patient is sedated. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. The patient breathes easily throughout the exam, with gagging rarely occurring.

Is biliary stent removal painful?

Do biliary stents cause pain? Occasionally, stents can cause discomfort when placed, which might disappear after a few days. However, the stent may sometimes result in inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Can a perforation be a complication of ERCP?

Patients and methods: All patients who underwent ERCP and suffered perforation were reviewed. To compare the length of hospital stay of the perforation group with that of patients suffering a different complication, patients who developed post-ERCP pancreatitis were also reviewed.

How is an ileus treated in an ERCP patient?

Institutional algorithm used for the management of ERCP-related perforation. Medical management included frequent abdominal examination, monitoring of vital signs and white blood cell count, complete bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and intravenous antibiotics. The use of a nasogastric tube was limited to patients who developed an ileus.

How is the time interval between ERCP and surgery determined?

There is a prophylactic pancreatic duct stent. Surgical management for Stapfer type II perforation was determined by the time interval between ERCP and surgery. Per protocol, primary repair in 2 layers with abdomen washout and drain placement was performed for perforations detected within 12 hours of ERCP.

How many patients have concurrent post-ERCP pancreatitis?

Concurrent post-ERCP pancreatitis was diagnosed in 26 patients (43%) and was associated with an increased LOS. Stapfer type II perforations have excellent outcomes when managed medically.