Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice

To evaluate the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with obstructive jaundice.

A retrospective, observational study.

The study was carried out at Valley Clinic, Rawalpindi, from January 1999 to January 2002.

Two-hundred and twenty-six patients, who underwent ERCP for evaluation of obstructive jaundice were included. ERCP in each case was performed with standard technique and the findings were recorded. Therapeutic procedures like sphincterotomy, Dormia extraction for stone, and stent placements were performed whenever indicated.

Of the 226 patients, 117 (51.8%) were males, and 109 (48.2%) females, their mean age being 51.8+/-16.6 years. Common bile and pancreatic ducts were visualized in 81.8% and 68.1% patients respectively. Growth/masses and stones were commonest causes of obstructive jaundice. Choledocholithias was common in males, while biliary channel related growth/masses were common in females (p-value=0.03). Common bile duct stone clearance rate was 88%, stenting was highly successful in patients with growth and strictures. ERCP related complications were noted in 11 (4.8%) patients.

ERCP is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality for evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice. Growth/masses and stones are common causes of obstructive jaundice which can be diagnosed and treated with ERCP.