ERCP-induced perforation: review and revisit after half a century

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure. We aimed to investigate ERCP-induced perforations at our institution and conduct a comprehensive review of literature on ERCP-induced perforations (EIP) since the introduction of this procedure as a therapeutic intervention.

This was a case-control study, in which charts of all patients diagnosed with ERCP-induced duodenal perforation were reviewed and compared to a control group without perforation. Patient's sociodemographic and clinical data, including ERCP procedure-related data, were gathered.

A total of 996 ERCP procedures were performed; only 13 patients proved to have EIP. Obstructive jaundice was the most common indication for ERCP. The main predisposing factor was difficult cannulation (P = 0.003). In total, five patients required surgical treatment; the majority of them had type I perforation, whereas type IV was the most common in patients who were treated conservatively. The overall mortality rate was 15%, the surgical group had a slightly higher mortality rate.

Fifty years after the introduction of ERCP for therapy, it remains an invasive procedure that carries significant morbidity and mortality, even in skilled hands or at high- volume units. Conservative management of perforation yields favorable outcomes in selected patients.