Complications of Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Their Prevention

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Abstract
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy for gallstone removal and the insertion of biliary and pancreatic stents is the most difficult gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure. Success rates depend on the proper training, skills, and experience of the endoscopist and range from 90 to 95 percent, even when the technique is performed by experts.1 Complications cannot always be avoided, with hemorrhage, pancreatitis, perforation of the duodenal wall, and cholangitis being the most frequent. Complications occur in approximately 10 percent of procedures, and about 1 in 100 patients dies.2 It is a surgeon's and an endoscopist's job to know the complications of . . .