Indian National Study to Assess Incidence and Severity of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis After Following SOP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an indispensable therapeutic procedure in the management of a wide spectrum of pancreaticobiliary disorders, including choledocholithiasis, benign and malignant biliary strictures, pancreatic ductal obstructions, and postoperative bile leaks. The procedure has revolutionized the management of these conditions, often obviating the need for surgery. However, despite its therapeutic efficacy, ERCP carries a significant risk of procedure-related adverse events, of which post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and clinically important complication.

The reported incidence of PEP in prospective multicenter studies ranges from 7 % to 10 % in unselected populations, and may increase to 15 % or higher in high-risk subsets such as patients with difficult cannulation, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or a prior history of pancreatitis or PEP. Although the majority of cases are mild and self-limited, a small but important proportion (approximately 10-15 %) progress to moderate or severe disease, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and occasionally mortality.

Over the past two decades, extensive research has improved our understanding of PEP pathogenesis and risk stratification. Several patient-related (younger age, female sex, prior PEP or pancreatitis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, asymptomatic choledocholithiasis) and procedure-related (difficult cannulation, pancreatic duct contrast injection or guidewire passage, pancreatic sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation) predictors have been identified.