[Retrospective analysis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography mortalities]

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which belongs to routine investigations of the biliary tract may lead to a possible development of various complications terminating occasionally in death. The authors analyses the causes of death in 6 patients (1.06%) who died following ERCP procedures performed for various reasons. They were solely woman. Deaths were most often caused by acute pancreatitis (in 3 cases), perforation of the duodenum, hemorrhage from the carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, and acute cholangitis. Emphasis was laid on the significance of accurate and purposeful indications for performing ERCP. It was pointed out that the ERCP equipment intended for being used only once has been utilized many times for economic reasons. It is of the highest importance that the ERCP procedures are carried out in well equipped and specialized centers by adequately trained and highly experienced endoscopists.