Risk Factors for Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Analysis of 250 Cases

Aims This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and to evaluate the severity and outcomes of this complication

Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 250 patients who underwent ERCP from June 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024. Data included patient demographics and procedural details. Risk factors assessed for PEP included pancreatic duct cannulation, multiple cannulation attempts, large common bile duct (CBD) stones, difficult papillary anatomy with diverticulum, younger age, and prior history of PEP. Severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on clinical course and hospitalization duration.

Results Of the 250 patients, 15 (6%) developed PEP. Risk factors among these cases included pancreatic duct cannulation (n=5), multiple cannulation attempts (n=4), large CBD stones (n=2), difficult papillary anatomy with diverticulum (n=2), young age (n=1), and a history of PEP (n=1). Nine cases occurred in females and six in males. Eight cases were mild, four were moderate, and three were severe, requiring extended hospital stays. There were no PEP-related deaths [1] [2].

Conclusions The findings suggest that pancreatic duct cannulation and multiple attempts at cannulation are prominent risk factors for PEP, with additional factors like diverticulum and prior history also contributing. Severity varied, underscoring the need for targeted preventive measures in high-risk patients.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025

• References

• 1 Chi JY, Ma LY, Zou JC, Ma YF. Risk factors of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with biliary tract diseases BMC Surgery. 2023; 23 Article number: 62.
• 2 Ergin E, Oruç N, Ersöz G, Tekeşin O, Özütemiz Ö. Prognosis and risk factors of ERCP pancreatitis in elderly Scientific Reports. 11 Article number: 15930 2021.