Frequency of Complications in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz during 2018-2019

Abstract

Background

The incidence of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a worrying and costly factor for the patient and the medical staff. Few studies have examined the complications of ERCP and its prevalence in Iran. This study aimed to investigate these complications in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz in 2018-2019.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study based on hospital information. The information of the patients referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz, who had undergone ERCP, was examined from 2018 to 2019.

Results:

In 300 patients studied, the observed complications were 1.7% bleeding, 12.7% pancreatitis, 4.7% perforation, 0.3% breaking and trapping of the guidewire, 1.3% cardiopulmonary complications, and 0.7% decreased level of consciousness following low O₂Sa. In 78.7% of the patients, there were no complications. Two patients died of ERCP-induced complications, both due to esophageal rupture. There was no significant difference between the mean age of the patients and their sex according to the type of complication.

Conclusion:

This study showed that pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, cardiopulmonary complications, guidewire fracture, occlusion, and decreased level of consciousness following low O₂Sa were among the most crucial ERCP complications in patients undergoing ERCP in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz.