Rate of early complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at the Hospital Nacional de Itaugua, Paraguay. From 2013 through 2017

Abstract

History: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a very widely used technique very efficient to treat biliary and pancreatic duct obstruction. However, it is no stranger to risks for the patient. Objectives: To find out the rate of ERCP-related complications in patients from the Endoscopy Unit at Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay from 2013 through 2017. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study conducted in 945 ERCPs performed from 2013 through 2017 at the Endoscopy Unit from Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay. Results: The rate of early post-ERCP complications was 5.2%, acute pancreatitis—the most common one—3.38%
followed by hemorrhage (0.95%), acute cholangitis (0.42%), and perforation (0.31%). Conclusions: The rate of post-ERCP complications at Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay is low, being acute pancreatitis
the most common complication and conservative management the most widely used. No deaths were reported in this study and no laparotomy was necessary.