Retrospective Analysis of the Indications and Outcomes of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Experience at Tertiary Care Center

Background: As the population ages, the number of biliary tract diseases also increase leading to increased demand of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography which is currently has been used more for therapeutic purposes than as diagnostic modality.Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics, indications and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography retrospectively.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Medicine and Gastroenterology department of Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi from 1st Jan 2022 to 31st Dec 2022 retrospectively. Ethical approval was granted by the hospital ethical committee. The study included data of patients who had undergone elective ERCP procedures. Data was collected from electronic record of hospital and endoscopy room data.Results: Out of 111 ERCPs performed, 50(45.04%) patients were male and 61(54.95%) were female. The mean age of the patients at presentation was 54.42 ± 14.71 years. The most common indication for ERCP was choledocholithiasis 39 (35.1%), followed by benign biliary stricture 23 (20.7%), and cholecystodocholithiasis 20 (18%). The most common complication was acute pancreatitis 6 (5.4%). Cholangitis occurred in 3 (2.7%) while bleeding and duodenal perforation occurred in only one patient (0.9%) respectively. Mortality was reported in only 1 patient (0.9%).Conclusion: Our study has revealed that the most common indication was for ERCP is choledocholithias and most common complication is pancreatitis. The indications and outcomes are comparable to local and international studies.