A study on post ERCP pancreatitis and transient hyperamylasemia in patients undergoing ERCP : A single center experience

Abstract

Aim : To determine the incidence of post ERCP pancreatitis. and to determine the incidence of transient   hyperamylasemia. Material and method : The study period was from January 2016 to January 2017.  The study population included the patients  who  attended our institution and underwent ERCP for various                  indications satisfying inclusion and  exclusion criteria. Serum amylase levels were determined  both before the procedure and 24 hours after the procedure. The  details of technique during ERCP were collected. CECT abdomen was done in patients who developed pancreatitis following the procedure. Results : In the present study, Out of 85 patients included, 56 were males(65.8%) and 29 were females(34.2%). Biliary stenting was done in 65 patients (76.4%) and pancreatic stenting was done in 19 patients(22%), bow sphincterotomy was done in 63 patients(74.1%) and precut sphincterotomy was done in 15 patients (17.6%). contrast injection was done in 48 patients(56.4%). PEP was diagnosed in 3 patients(3.5%). Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia was seen in 18 patients(21.1%).Those patients diagnosed to have post ERCP pancreatitis were females and all the three  underwent sphincterotomy during the procedure. The mean age of the patients  who developed pancreatitis was 29 years and the mean age of patients who developed raised amylase values after the procedure was 48 years.      Conclusion : Until effective, safe, and low-cost  prophylactic drugs are definitively identified and made  available, selective use in high-risk groups may be warranted. Unfortunately, such a drug is not available.