OUR ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATICOGRAPHY EXPERIENCES: SINGLE CENTER, 688 PATIENTS

Abstract Introduction and Aim: Successful ERCP requires deep cannulation of the common bile duct and/or the main pancreatic duct through the major duodenal papilla (papilla of Vater). Complications have been reported in cases of selective biliary cannulation, but this diminishes in experienced hands. The aim of this topic is to evaluate the practices and results in our clinic on how to achieve successful cannulation and sphincterotomy at minimum risk for the patient. Methods: The results of 688 patients who underwent ERCP in the endoscopy unit of our clinic over a 6-year period (2015-2021) are evaluated. Demographic findings, co-morbidities, duration of the procedure, presence of periampullary diverticulum, difficult cannulation rate, stent use, complication rate and successful cannulation rates of the patients were evaluated. Results: 58.5% of the patients were female. Heart diseases were found in 44.6% of the patients, kidney diseases in 11.5%, lung diseases in 14.9%, central nervous system diseases in 7.8% and malignancy in 2.1%. The common bile duct diameter is 12.98 ± 3.44 mm, and the mean stone size is 8.70 ± 4.50 mm. Periampullary diverticulum was present in 110 (15.9%) of the patients, and stony gall bladder was present in 48.0% of the patients. Selective cannulation was performed in 77.9% and pre-cut sphincterotomy was performed in 18.2%. Periampullary malignancy was detected in 12.1% of patients, and stent was applied to 22.1% of patients. Failed in 3.1% of patients. Emergency laparotomy was performed in 4 patients (0.6%). Bleeding was found in 58 patients (8.5%), perforation in five patients (0.8%), pancreatitis in 25 patients (4.0%), and mortality in six patients (1.0%). Conclusions: Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool, it can lead to serious complications. ERCP indication should be put correctly, procedures should be done by experienced people. In experienced hands, the success rate is high even with anatomical variations and difficult stones.