[ERCP under ceftriaxone antibiotic cover in patients with obstructive jaundice]

The risk of cholangitis after ERCP has been reported to occur in up to 50% of patients with obstructive jaundice. Prophylactic antibiotics have therefore been advocated to reduce the risk. Here we report on the results of 46 patients with obstructive jaundice who were given 1 g of Ceftriaxone i.v. 30 to 60 min. prior to the procedure. Only one patient developed cholangitis with septicemia, which was treated conservatively. No side effects were observed in this group of patients. It is suggested that Ceftriaxone is an adequate prophylactic method to prevent cholangitis and septicemia in patients with obstructive jaundice.