The Retention of pancreatic stents for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is assessed by abdominal x-ray according to international Guidelines. The current study aimed to analyze whether prophylactic pancreatic stents can be detected by transdermal ultrasound to save the x-ray examination.

Pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Several pharmacologic and procedure-related measurements have been established for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis one being the placement of pancreatic duct stents in patients with high risk for PEP. The beneficial role of pancreatic stenting in the prophylaxis of PEP was demonstrated in large meta-analyses. The used stents have a high potential of self dislodgment, retained stents have to be removed endoscopically after 5-10 days. For evaluation of spontaneous stent passage abdominal x-ray ist used and accordingly retained stents removed. The current study aimed to analyze whether prophylactic pancreatic stents can be detected by transdermal ultrasound to save the x-ray examination.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patient after pancreatic stent placement for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis
• age 18-79
• signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• any disease that rules out study participation
• patient not legally competent to sign informed consent
• chronic pancreatis as indication for pancreatic stenting