Outline of Possible ERCP COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is associated with several complications both in the short term and long term. These complications are inevitable due to the invasive nature of ERCP and observed in a variable ratio of patients, depending on some patient and procedure related factors. Early identification and appropriate management of complications is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity. The short-term complications of EST are bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis and cholangitis. They have an incidence between 2.5% and 11.8%.