From the Research
Post-ERCP Pain
- Patients can experience pain after an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure for the removal of choledocholithiasis (gallbladder stones) 1.
- Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication of ERCP, and can cause abdominal pain 1.
- Procedure-related factors such as traumatic and persistent cannulation attempts, multiple injections of the pancreatic duct, pancreatic sphincterotomy, and precut sphincterotomy can increase the risk of PEP and subsequent pain 1.
ERCP-Related Adverse Events
- ERCP-related adverse events, including post-ERCP pancreatitis, can occur in patients undergoing ERCP for the removal of choledocholithiasis 1, 2.
- Aggressive hydration, use of rectal indomethacin, and prophylactic pancreatic stenting can diminish the risk and severity of PEP 1.
- Careful patient selection and technique are crucial in minimizing the risk of ERCP-related adverse events 1.
Management of Choledocholithiasis
- ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy is an effective treatment for choledocholithiasis, and can be used to remove common bile duct stones 3, 4, 2, 5.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with intraoperative ERCP is a safe and efficacious treatment for cholelithiasis complicated with common bile duct stones 5.
- ERCP can be used to diagnose and treat retained bile duct stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy 4, 2.