Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） is a useful tool in the evaluation and management of acute pancreatitis. This review will focus on the role of ERCP in specific causes of acute pancreatitis, including microlithiasis and gallstone disease, pancreas divisum, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, tumors of the pancreaticobiliary tract, pancreatic pseudocysts, and pancreatic duct injury. Indications for endoscopic techniques such as biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomy, stenting, stricture dilation, treatment of duct leaks, drainage of fluid collections and stone extraction will also be discussed in this review. With the advent of less invasive and safer diagnostic modalities including endoscopic ultrasound （EUS） and magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （MRCP）, ERCP is appropriately becoming a therapeutic rather than diagnostic tool in the management of acute pancreatitis and its complications.     

Endoscopic management of pancreatic disease.

Since its introduction in 1968, ERCP has developed from being a purely diagnostic method, mostly used in the investigation of unexplained upper abdominal pain, to an invaluable tool for the management of patients with pancreatic disorders. In cases with severe gallstone pancreatitis, the biliary obstruction is disclosed and relieved by ERCP and ES. In patients with severe acute pancreatitis of other aetiologies, as well as in post-traumatic pancreatitis, ERCP is indispensable for revealing complications (e.g. pancreatic duct rupture) and/or for planning the treatment strategy. Furthermore, in cases of pancreatitis not related to alcohol or gallstones, it often demonstrates causes which may be treatable, and it is also useful for evaluation of the gland after massive pancreatic necrosis. Moreover, ERCP is helpful in establishing the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and its complications as well as in demonstrating morphological grounds for therapeutic intervention. Although the indications, limitations, and practicability of the different techniques of therapeutic ERCP in various pancreatic diseases still remain to be defined, the method appears to offer an alternative to surgery, particularly in cases in which operative treatment is technically difficult and the results are less favourable. Frequency and severity of complications associated with both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP seem to be, at least in the hands of experts, reasonably low.     

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and how to minimize them

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the recent past was one ofthe basic diagnostic and therapeutic methods of several biliary and pancreatic diseases. It was and is still associated with several complications that can lead to exit the patient and is therefore considered invasive methods. The most serious complications include acute pancreatitis and acute cholangitis. Bleeding and perforation may complicate papillosphincterotomy that precedes another performance (extraction of stones, drainage of biliary and pancreatic duct. The incidence of serious complications have led to efforts to reduce the number of ERCP. This allowed in particular the introduction of new diagnostic methods, especially MRCP and EUS, which led to the practical exclusion of diagnostic ERCP. At present, ERCP is considered to be purely therapeutic method. In addition, considerable experience has been published to reduce the incidence of complications in ERCP. Many of them can be applied to our clinic, which has experience of more than 10 000 ERCP performed.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound in diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool for diagnosis and therapy in acute and recurrent pancreatitis. While treatment of biliary disorders leading to pancreatitis is common practice, over the past several years many specialized centers have been directing traditional biliary techniques such as sphincterotomy and stenting towards the pancreas. A justifiable fear of pancreatitis and other complications has caused many endoscopists to shy away from pancreatic endotherapy, but refinements in technique, extensive experience, and most notably the routine use of pancreatic stenting to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis has opened up the field and allowed for endoscopists in specialized centers around the world to perform diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP of the pancreas safely and effectively. In acute gallstone pancreatitis, the benefit of therapeutic ERCP including biliary sphincterotomy has been proven in randomized controlled trials. There are also data to support the role of ERCP directed at the pancreatic sphincters and ducts in treatment of acute relapsing pancreatitis due to pancreas divisum, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, smoldering pancreatitis, pancreatic ductal disruptions, and perhaps even in evolving pancreatic necrosis. Many causes of apparently idiopathic pancreatitis can be discovered after an extensive evaluation with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and ERCP with sphincter of Oddi manometry. ERCP often allows treatment of the underlying cause. Because of the inherent risks associated with ERCP, particularly when directed toward the pancreas, the role of ERCP in acute and especially recurrent pancreatitis should be primarily therapeutic with attempts to establish diagnosis whenever possible by less risky techniques including EUS and MRCP. With the added techniques, devices, skill-sets, and experience required, pancreatic endotherapy should preferably be performed in high volume tertiary referral settings. ERCP for diagnosis and treatment of severe or acute relapsing pancreatitis is also best performed using a multidisciplinary approach involving endoscopy, hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery, and interventional radiology.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute and chronic pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a pivotal role in the management of patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Whereas endoscopic observation during ERCP permits recognition of abnormalities involving the major and minor duodenal papillae such as papillary tumors or choledochocele, radiographic evaluation enables the detection of structural abnormalities of pancreaticobiliary ducts like strictures or calculi. Sphincter of Oddi manometry, a technical advance of ERCP, is essential for the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, which may present clinically as recurrent pancreatitis. Because structural alterations of the pancreatic duct forms the hallmark of chronic pancreatitis, ERCP is highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Apart from its diagnostic role, ERCP offers a variety of possibilities for therapeutic interventions in selected problems associated with pancreatitis. Endoscopic papillectomy and mucosal resection for tumors of the papilla, unroofing of a choledochocele, and sphincterotomy for sphincter ablation in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction are some of the therapeutic interventions possible during ERCP. Pancreatic ductal hypertension, which is considered to be the major pathophysiologic mechanism for disabling abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis, also can be managed by ERCP-directed treatments. Pancreatic sphincterotomy, dilation of strictures, lithotripsy, extraction of calculi, and deployment of endoprosthesis constitute the commonly used therapeutic techniques in this situation. Besides offering a noninvasive alternative, these treatments are associated with a favorable clinical outcome comparable with that of operative treatments. Nevertheless, complications such as acute pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, or sepsis may occur in 5% to 10% of patients undergoing these procedures. Therefore, careful selection of patients, appropriate preoperative care, and a team approach, including surgeon, interventional radiologist, and endoscopist, are important.     

A Clinical Study of Acute Pancreatitis following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Abstract: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been established as a safe and effective examination for patients with pancreatobiliary diseases. Pancreatitis following ERCP is an extremely rare complication. However, once pancreatitis occurs, patients may deteriorate developing a severe condition. This study was designed to investigate the cause of this pancreatitis with the aim of minimizing complications. Six hundred and forty-nine patients underwent ERCP in our clinic, from January 1990 to December 1994. Six patients developed acute pancreatitis following the examination. Amounts of contrast medium used, examination durations, pancreatic duct diameters, the existence of chronic pancreatitis, the presence of para-papillary diverticulum, and the use of a brushing procedure on the pancreatic duct are discussed in this study. There was no significant difference in the amount of contrast medium used, examination duration or pancreatic duct diameter. Chronic pancreatitis was not related to the occurrence of acute pancreatitis following ERCP (p = 0.1352). The presence of para-papillary diverticulum was associated with a tendency to develop pancreatitis (p=0.0989). Use of the brushing procedure correlated significantly with the occurrence of acute pancreatitis (p= 0.0081). This technique is one of the most important methods of diagnosing pancreatic malignancy, and should be done with great care in examining cases of suspected malignancy.     

Endoscopic therapy in acute recurrent pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） has evolved from a largely diagnostic to a largely therapeutic modality. Cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, and less invasive endoscopy, especially endoscopic ultrasound （EUS）, have largely taken over from ERCP for diagnosis. However, ERCP remains the ＂first line＂ therapeutic tool in the management of mechanical causes of acute recurrent pancreatitis, including bile duct stones （choledocholithiasis）, ampullary masses （benign and malignant）, congenital variants of biliary and pancreatic anatomy （e.g. pancreas divisum, choledochoceles）, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction （SOD）, pancreatic stones and strictures, and parasitic disorders involving the biliary tree and/or pancreatic duct （e.g Ascariasis, Clonorchiasis）.     

The decision-making value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients seen in a referral center for suspected biliary and pancreatic disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of MRCP to alter the differential diagnosis and to prevent diagnostic and/or therapeutic ERCP. The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for biliary and pancreatic disease is well documented. Some believe MRCP may prevent diagnostic ERCP or add useful information, however there are no reports of its impact on clinical management. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for ERCP underwent clinic evaluation, then MRCP, and then ERCP. In Phase 1, the number of differential diagnoses and the perceived need for diagnostic ERCP were evaluated after each step by the endoscopist who performed the ERCP. In Phase 2, the process was repeated after presenting clinical information and MRCP results to different individual physicians: another endoscopist, a hepatologist, a radiologist, and a surgeon (all were blinded to ERCP results). RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled. Clinical contexts were jaundice (19.7%), abnormal liver enzymes (42.6%), abdominal pain (11.5%), recurrent acute pancreatitis (11.5%), and suspected complications of chronic pancreatitis (14.7%). In Phase 1, adding MRCP information to diagnostic ERCP information did not change the mean number of differential diagnoses significantly and prevented no therapeutic ERCP. In Phase 2, adding MRCP to clinical information only (without ERCP) reduced the differential diagnosis significantly for the radiologist and the surgeon only and would have prevented < or =3% of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP for all physicians. CONCLUSION: The value of MRCP information may be limited if patient selection is inappropriate and may differ in physicians depending on their speciality.     

Therapeutic endoscopy in pancreas

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of pancreatic disease is continuing to evolve. In view of increasingly noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities for pancreatic disease, ERCP should be mainly restricted to therapeutic indications. This article reviews recent publications spanning a wide range of topics related to therapeutic pancreatic endoscopy: This review article will be focused on the technical and therapeutic aspects of the following topics: 1. Post-ERCP pancreatitis and preventive methods for this entity, 2. Recurrent severe pancreatitis, 3. Oddi sphincter dysfunction, 4. Pancreatic duct stenosis and lithiasis in chronic pancreatitis, 5. Hereditary pancreatitis, 6. Pseudocysts and pancreatic abscesses, and 7. Pancreatic duct fistulae. Pancreatic endotherapy is technically demanding and potentially hazardous; these interventions should be restricted to high-volume centers with options for an interdisciplinary team approach. Methods that have not yet been established should be evaluated in carefully designed prospective trials.     

青少年慢性胰腺炎的内镜诊断与治疗

目的：研究诊断性和治疗性经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)在青少年慢性胰腺炎(CP)诊断及治疗中的价值。方法：回顾分析1997年2月～2002年2月间确诊为青少年CP并行ERCP的13例临床资料。结果：13例中12例存在腹痛症状，10例有“胰腺炎”病史。ERCP见胰管扩张12例，胰管结石7例，胰腺假性囊肿2例，胰腺分裂症3例，胆囊结石l例。内镜下治疗：乳头括约肌切开术7例，胰管取石6例，支架置入5例，胰管狭窄扩张术4例，副乳头切开2例。ERCP后高淀粉酶血症4例，胰腺炎急性发作3例，均为水肿型胰腺炎。经6—68个月随访，ll例未复发，2例复发者经再次ER-CP治疗后腹痛未再出现。结论：ERCP对青少年CP的诊断及治疗有较高的价值。但青少年CP患者ERCP术后具有较高的并发症发生率，对此内镜医师应高度重视。     

急性胆源性胰腺炎早期内镜治疗的临床评价

目的 :评价急性胆源性胰腺炎患者早期行内镜逆行胰胆管造影 (ERCP)治疗的安全性和临床疗效。方法 :对 2 6例急性胆源性胰腺炎住院患者 ,早期行ERCP检查和治疗 ,观察其疗效和并发症 ,评价急性胆源性胰腺炎患者内镜治疗的安全性和疗效。结果 :本组 2 6例患者均治愈 ,无明显并发症发生 ,未见因ERCP检查和治疗而使病情加重者。结论 :对于急性胆源性胰腺炎患者早期行ERCP检查及治疗是安全的 ,急性胆源性胰腺炎经有效的内镜治疗可缩短平均住院时间、降低平均住院费用     

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Complications occur after 5% to 10% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and may range from minimal to severe and life threatening. Risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis include patient- as well as procedure-related variables, placing a premium on patient selection as well as details of technique. Placement of prophylactic pancreatic stents is effective in reducing risk of pancreatitis after ERCP and is the primary strategy for prevention of this complication once ERCP is undertaken. Newer data suggest that rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective at reducing risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Bleeding after sphincterotomy is primarily related to coagulation defects, but can almost always be treated by endoscopic hemostatic techniques. Perforation can involve bowel wall, sphincterotomy, or be caused by a guidewire; early recognition and management are key to satisfactory outcomes. There is an increasing role for endoscopic closure of perforations using stents, clips, and closure devices. Endoscopist experience is reflected in complication rates. With careful attention to patient selection and details of technique, complications of ERCP can be minimized.     

诊断性与治疗性ERCP早期并发症与处理

目的 探讨诊断性及治疗性ERCP早期并发症发生情况及处理。方法 回顾总结了我国23年间8579例次诊断性与治疗性ERCP临床资料。分析了早期并发症发生情况。种类、处理及预后。结果 23年间8579例ERCP诊疗中，共发生早期并发症112例（1.31%)，其中诊断性ERCP发生率为1.30%(95/7290)，治疗性ERCP为1.32%(17/1289)，并发水肿型胰腺炎38例（0.44%)，胆道感染30例（0.35%)，消化道大出血26例（0.30%)，药物反应8例（0.09%)，结石及取石篮嵌顿5例（0.06%)，肠穿孔3例（0.03%)，急性出血坏死型胰腺炎1例（0.01%)，后腹膜腔积气1例（0.01%）。112例并发症中，经内科保守治疗痊愈106例（94.6%)，外科手术治疗5例（4.5%(。1例死亡。结论 诊断性ERCP并发症中以急性胰腺炎发生率为高，可能与插管困难，反复显影，注射造影剂压力过大，量过多有关；治疗性ERCP并发症中以出血为常见，与操作技术，伴有黄疸及糖尿病等因素有关。绝大多数并发症可经内科保守治疗而得以痊愈，仅极少数患者需外科手术处理。     

Evaluation of selected parameters of the inflammatory response to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a well-established method in diagnosis and management of biliary and pancreatic diseases. The procedure carries the risk of serious complications; the most common is pancreatitis. The severity of ERCP-related pancreatitis largely depends on the inflammatory response to the procedure. AIMS: The aim of our study was to evaluate the inflammatory response after diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP based on monitoring of plasma concentration of the following substances: amylase, lipase, white blood cells, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), hydrogen peroxide, malonylodialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CD). METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on 40 patients who were divided into two groups according to the procedure performed: Group1-28 patients after ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and Group 2-12 patients after diagnostic ERCP. The parameters were measured before ERCP and 2, 24, and 48 hours after the procedure. RESULTS: After diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, the increase in plasma concentration of amylase, lipase, IL-6, and CRP were observed. Acute pancreatitis developed in three of the patients from group 1. The increase in lipase and CRP concentration was significantly higher after therapeutic ERCP with ES than after the diagnostic procedure. Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia occurred more often after therapeutic than diagnostic ERCP. A positive correlation between the increase of IL-6 and CRP concentration was found. After uncomplicated diagnostic or therapeutic ERCP, no increase of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products was observed. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic ERCP stimulates a systemic inflammatory response, the intensity of which is magnified after ES. After uncomplicated ERCP, the balance between oxidative and anti-oxidative mechanisms is retained.     

ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis

The role of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis is for many years a subject for disagreement among physicians. Although the evidence seemed to be in favor of performing ERCP, endoscopists usually hesitate to conform to the guidelines. ERCP is an invasive procedure, with complications which can affect patients' outcome. Recent evidence suggests that we should probably modify our policy, recruiting less invasive procedures, like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound, before conducting ERCP in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. In this editorial the different aspects regarding the role of ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis are discussed.     

Early endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and sphincterotomy in acute biliary pancreatitis: report of 50 cases.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was successfully performed in 49/50 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis and suspected biliary aetiology in the early phases of the disease (24-72 hours from admission). ERCP showed common bile duct lithiasis and/or stenosis (25 cholecystectomized patients) in 41/49 cases (83.7%). In 38 patients endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed: stone removal was possible in lithiasic patients (36 cases, 13 previously cholecystectomized); 3 further patients showed a main pancreatic duct stenosis (2 of these underwent pancreatic ES). The patients treated with ES showed a quick improvement in symptomatology and clinical outcome; no adverse effect of ERCP was found; no mortality was registered. Comparison with a previous series of 130 cases of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) showed a reduction in mortality, complications and length of hospitalization. These findings suggest that, from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view, early ERCP is safe and useful in ABP.     

Endoscopic approach through the minor papilla for the management of pancreatic diseases

AIM: To clarify the efficacy and safety of an endoscopic approach through the minor papilla for the management of pancreatic diseases.METHODS: This study included 44 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed in 34 patients using a minor papilla approach between April 2007 and March 2012. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical profiles of the patients, the endoscopic interventions, short-term outcomes, and complications.RESULTS: Of 44 ERCPs, 26 were diagnostic ERCP, and 18 were therapeutic ERCP. The most common cause of difficult access to the main pancreatic duct through the major papilla was pancreas divisum followed by distortion of Wirsung’s duct. The overall success rate of minor papilla cannulation was 80% (35/44), which was significantly improved by wire-guided cannulation (P = 0.04). Endoscopic minor papillotomy (EMP) was performed in 17 of 34 patients (50%) using a needle-knife (13/17) or a pull-type papillotome (4/17). EMP with pancreatic stent placement, which was the main therapeutic option for patients with chronic pancreatitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic pseudocyst, resulted in short-term clinical improvement in 83% of patients. Mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred as an early complication in 2 cases (4.5%).CONCLUSION: The endoscopic minor papilla approach is technically feasible, safe, and effective when the procedure is performed in a high-volume referral center by experienced endoscopists.     

Comparison of EUS and ERCP in the investigation with suspected biliary obstruction caused by choledocholithiasis: a randomized study

BACKGROUND: EUS may be used to reduce the need of diagnostic ERCP. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the benefits and safety of an EUS-guided versus an ERCP-guided approach in the management of suspected biliary obstructive diseases caused by choledocholithiasis, in whom a US study is not diagnostic. DESIGN: A randomized study. SETTING: A university medical unit. PATIENTS: Patients with clinical, biochemical, or radiologic suspicion of biliary obstruction. INTERVENTIONS: In the EUS group, therapeutic ERCP was performed at the same EUS session if a lesion was found. In the ERCP group, therapeutic treatment was carried out at the discretion of the endoscopist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The number of ERCPs avoided, procedure-related complications, and recurrent biliary symptoms on follow-up at 1 year. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were randomized to EUS and 32 to ERCP. Three patients (9.4%) had failed ERCPs, whereas all EUS procedures were successful. Nine (27.3%) patients in the EUS group were found to have biliary lesions that were all treated by ERCP. In the ERCP group, 7 (22%) patients had biliary lesions detected that were treated in the same session. More patients had serious complications (bleeding, acute pancreatitis, and umbilical abscess) in the ERCP group. One patient in each group had recurrent biliary symptoms during follow-up. With EUS used as a triage tool, diagnostic ERCP and its related complications could be spared in 49 (75.4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients suspected to have biliary obstructive disease, EUS is a safe and accurate test to select patients for therapeutic ERCP.     

Comparison of early endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role and potential benefits of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis have not been documented. We report a large prospective randomized study comparing early EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of these patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was performed on 140 patients with acute pancreatitis suspected to have a biliary cause. The patients were randomized to have EUS (n = 70) or ERCP (n = 70) within 24 hours from admission. In the EUS group, when EUS detected choledocholithiasis, therapeutic ERCP was performed during the same endoscopy session. In the ERCP group, diagnostic ERCP was performed, followed by therapeutic endoscopy when choledocholithiasis was detected. RESULTS: Examination of the biliary tree by EUS was successful in all patients in the EUS group, whereas cannulation of the common duct during ERCP was unsuccessful in 10 patients (14%) in the ERCP group (P = .001). Combined percutaneous ultrasonography and ERCP missed detection of cholelithiasis in 6 patients in the ERCP group. The overall morbidity rate was 7% in the EUS group, and that in the ERCP group was 14% (P = .172). The hospital stay and mortality rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, EUS could safely replace diagnostic ERCP in the management for selecting patients with choledocholithiasis for therapeutic ERCP with a higher successful examination rate, a higher sensitivity in the detection of cholelithiasis, and a comparable morbidity rate.     

Risk factors for complications after performance of ERCP

BACKGROUND: ERCP has become widely available for the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases. In this prospective study, the overall complication rate and risk factors for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were identified. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on patient characteristics and endoscopic techniques from 1223 ERCPs performed at a single referral center and entered into a database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for ERCP-associated complications. RESULTS: Of 1223 ERCPs performed, 554 (45.3%) were diagnostic and 667 (54.7%) therapeutic. The overall complication rate was 11.2%. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was the most common (7.2%) and in 93% of cases was self-limiting, requiring only conservative treatment. Bleeding occurred in 10 patients (0.8%) and was related to a therapeutic procedure in all cases. Nine patients had cholangitis develop, most cases being secondary to incomplete drainage. There was one perforation (0.08%). All other complications totaled 1.5%. Variables derived from cannulation technique associated with an increased risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis were precut access papillotomy (20%), multiple cannulation attempts (14.9%), sphincterotome use to achieve cannulation (13.1%), pancreatic duct manipulation (13%), multiple pancreatic injections (12.3%), guidewire use to achieve cannulation (10.2%), and the extent of pancreatic duct opacification (10%). Patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis were sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (21.7%) documented by manometry, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis (19%), and recurrent pancreatitis (16.2%). Pain during the procedure was an important indicator of an increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (27%). Independent risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were identified as a history of recurrent pancreatitis, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis, multiple cannulation attempts, pancreatic brush cytology, and pain during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent ERCP-related complication was pancreatitis, which was mild in the majority of patients. The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was similar for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Bleeding was rare and mostly associated with sphincterotomy. Other complications such as cholangitis and perforation were rare. Specific patient- and technique-related characteristics that can increase the risk of post-ERCP complications were identified.