[Endoscopic papillotomy in East Germany].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Endoscopic Procedures

Context:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a common diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
• Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) is a key procedure within ERCP for managing biliary and pancreatic diseases.
• Assessing the efficacy and safety of EPT is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the technical success and therapeutic outcomes of endoscopic papillotomy (EPT).
• To determine the primary indications for performing EPT.
• To analyze the complication rates and mortality associated with EPT.

Summary:

• A survey of 751 patients undergoing EPT revealed a technical success rate of 92.5% and therapeutic success in 91.4% of cases with available follow-up.
• Choledocholithiasis was the predominant indication (90.2%), followed by papillary stenosis and Vaterian papilla carcinoma.
• Serious complications occurred in 7.6% of patients, with a 2.6% rate of reoperation and a 1% mortality directly attributed to EPT.

Impact:

• Provides robust data on the effectiveness and safety of EPT, supporting its role in managing choledocholithiasis and other biliary conditions.
• Highlights the importance of patient selection and procedural expertise to minimize risks associated with EPT.
• Contributes to the global understanding of EPT outcomes, aligning with international findings and informing best practices.