[Insertion of biliary endoprosthesis as ambulatory procedure]

Because of possible complications, it has been common practice to admit to the hospital most if not all patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP. Therefore, little descriptive data exist on the safety of out-patient therapeutic ERCP for endobiliary stent placement.

To assure quality patient care and patient safety, we reviewed our experience with out-patient therapeutic ERCP for palliation of benign and malignant common bile duct obstruction by means of endobiliary stent insertion. PATIENTS-METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective review of all therapeutic ERCPs for palliation of benign and malignant common bile duct obstruction with endobiliary stents was performed from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1999. One hundred forty therapeutic ERCPs were performed to place an endobiliary stent for benign and malignant common bile duct obstruction. Seventy-two procedures were performed on out-patients, sixty-eight on in-patients. There was no significant difference between out-patient and in-patient groups with regard to age, gender, need for endoscopic sphincterotomy, and complication rate. In patients had one procedure-related complication; out patients had four. There was no procedure-related mortality in either group.

Therapeutic ERCP for palliation of benign and malignant common bile duct obstruction with endobiliary stents can be safely and successfully performed on an out-patient basis for selected patients. This should result in substantial cost savings.