A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of Carbon Dioxide Versus Air Insufflation During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

A Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind Trial of CO2 Versus Air Insufflation During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

The purpose of this study it to conduct a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial of carbon dioxide (CO2) versus air insufflation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Inclusion Criteria:

• age >= 18 years
• referred for ERCP for any indication at UNC Hospitals

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < 18 years
• COPD requiring oxygen or with known CO2 retention
• any medical condition with known CO2 retention
• medical instability making the procedure unsafe
• absolute requirement for same-day second endoscopy
• ERCP performed in the OR or under GA
• inability to read or understand English
• use of chronic opiates for pain
• pregnant women