The Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) in Elderly (over 80), Patients: Single Centre Experience

Background: ERCP is an invasive procedure which combines the use of x ray and endoscopy to provide a reliable way for diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. The diagnostic role of ERCP has largely been replaced by MRCP (Magnetic Resonance cholangiopancreatography). The valuable use of ERCP has, however, been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Aims: 1) determine the safety of ERCP procedure in elderly patients. 2) compare the local complication rates with international standards using international large scale studies and British Society of Gastroenterology audit rates as standards. Patients and Methods: 1) Retrospective study on 106 elderly patients (over 80) 2)Cases were identified using local register and profoma used to collect data. 3)Completed data were submitted for collation and statistical analysis. Results: The research revealed the following rates for local complications. 1) acute pancreatitis: 5%. 2) Hemorrhage: 0%. 3) Acute cholangitis: 1%. 4) Dudenal perforation: 0%. 5) Death: 1%. Conclusions: 1) Elderly patients tolerate ERCP as good as young patients despite their advanced age and co-morbidities. 2) The local complication rates fall within the international ranges