Mehta et al identified risk factors for pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in a patient with suspected choledocholithiasis. These can help identify a patient who should be monitored more closely following the procedure. The authors are from McGill University on Montreal.
Opacification of the biliary ductal system was performed using half or full strength high-osmolality ionic contrast media.
Parameters:
(1) sphincterotomy
(2) age in years
(3) stone in the common bile duct
(4) opacification of the pancreatic channel
If sphincterotomy was performed, then risk of pancreatitis depended on the patient's age and the presence or absence of a stone in the common bile duct.
Age in Years
Stone in Common Bile Duct
Percent with Post-ERCP Pancreatitis
< 59 years
absent
27%
< 59 years
present
8%
>= 59 years
absent
11%
>= 59 years
present
3%
If sphincterotomy was not performed, then pancreatitis was associated with opacification of the pancreatitic channel during the procedure.
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