Assessment of the First 30 Cases Following the Turkish Surgical Association’s Basic ERCP Training: Challenges and Success Criteria of a Complex Procedure in a Public Hospital Setting

Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a challenging procedure that requires high-level skills, especially because the risks associated with performing ERCP in patients with altered anatomy are increased.In order to safely and effectively perform ERCP, specialized training and experience are important.Methods: This is a retrospective study on the outcome of the first 30 ERCP cases performed by a surgeon newly trained in a public hospital.Patients were divided into two sets of 15 cases in order to evaluate the development of the skill.Data are analyzed regarding success rates, procedure duration, and complications.Results: Technical success and clinical improvement were achieved in 76.7% each.First-attempt success improved from 46.7% in Group 1 to 86.7% in Group 2, showing skill maturation.Procedure time was significantly shorter in Group 2, at 31.67 vs 50.33 minutes in Group 1 (p<0.001).Complications were rare, in one patient with bleeding and one patient with pancreatitis (3.3%). Conclusion:The data indicates that the success rate and efficiency of ERCP rise with experience, demonstrating the need for recently trained surgeons to attend structured training courses.There is minimal complication incidence that puts in view the importance of protocols and experience in safeguarding patients.It has also brought challenges identified, including anesthesia and equipment problems, that indicate a need for procedural support to enhance success.Advanced ERCP training courses that emphasize technical and cognitive skills can optimally prepare surgeons, especially in resource-constrained settings, to safely and effectively carry out these complex interventions.