Frequency and Predictors of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in a South Asian Tertiary Care Center

Frequency and Risk Factors of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: A Single-Center Experience From South Asia

This study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from January 2023 to December 2023. It aimed to determine how often patients develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) after undergoing a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and to identify the main factors that increase this risk. We reviewed the medical records of 300 adult patients who had ERCP for various conditions, such as bile duct stones, tumors, and strictures. We assessed patient characteristics, procedure details, and laboratory results to see which factors were linked to post-ERCP pancreatitis. The study found that prolonged cannulation time, injection of contrast into the pancreatic duct, and high levels of C-reactive protein before the procedure were the strongest predictors of this complication. These findings may help doctors identify high-risk patients and take preventive steps to reduce the chances of pancreatitis after ERCP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Known chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic malignancy
• Pre-existing acute pancreatitis
• Incomplete procedural or laboratory records

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic malignancy
• Pre-existing acute pancreatitis
• Incomplete procedural or laboratory records