Diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP: a large single centre's experience

Background Most large published series on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are multicentre-based and consequently reflect varying experience. Aims To assess morbidity and mortality rates of ERCP in a single tertiary referral centre, Methods A series of 1,758 consecutive ERCPs performed in 1,148 patients between 1991 and 1994 were reviewed to evaluate indications, findings, procedures, success, complication and mortality rates, Results There were 1,108 (63%) successful initial ERCPs, 11 % failed cannulation attempts and 26% follow-up ERCPs. The desired duct was successfully cannulated in 96.5% of cases, Initial cannulation failure rate was 8.8%. Twenty-seven per cent had normal ERCPs, 30% had choledocholithiasis and 22% had strictures, Fifty-five per cent had therapeutic ERCPs. Major complications occurred in 3.5% with four ERCP-related deaths (0.35%). Therapeutic ERCP had a higher incidence of major complications compared to diagnostic ERCP: 4.6% vs 2.1 %, (p=0.02); and mortality rate was 0.5% vs 0.2%, (p=0.4). Significant haemorrhage secondary to biliary sphincterotomy, pre-cut papillotomy and snare papillectomy accounted for most of the difference (1.6%). Conclusions The majority of ERCPs were performed in elderly patients, over half of whom required therapeutic ERCP. Therapeutic ERCP carried significantly higher complication rate compared with diagnostic ERCP. Unsuccessful cannulation and follow-up ERCP accounted for 11 % and 26% of ERCP workload, respectively.