Risks of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and therapeutic applications

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and its therapeutic applications are the most invasive and risky procedures performed regularly by endoscopists. Potential complications include those of the endoscopy (sedation reactions, infection transmission, perforation, etc.), those specific to instrumentation of the bile duct and pancreas (sepsis, pancreatitis) and those caused by therapeutic intervention, especially sphincterotomy (perforation and bleeding). These complex procedures require two fully trained GI nurse assistants. One is responsible for the safety of the patient (who is often elderly and frail) before, during and after the procedure. The other is responsible for ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and correctly disinfected and assists the endoscopist during the examination.