A retrospective study of guide-wire assisted cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Objective To evaluate the influence of different cannulation technique in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） on success rate, risk of post-ERCP complication and operation time of the procedure. Methods The data of 120 patients who underwent ERCP from June 2000 to June 2008 because of biliary duct disorders were retrospectively studied. Conventional cannulation technique was applied in 60 patients and guide-wire cannulation was used in other 60. The success rate, total time of ERCP operation and the incidence of post-ERCP complications including acute pancreatitis and biliary system infection within 7 days were assessed. Results Compared with conventional cannulation technique, selective cannulation with a standard ERCP catheter under the assistance of guide-wire proved a higher success rate and a shorter operation time （ P 〈 0. 05 ）. Incidences of postoperative pancreatitis and infection with conventional cannulation were 10. 0% （6/60） and 23.3% （14/60）, respectively, while with guide-wire assisted caunulation were 3.3% （2/60） and 10. 0% （6/60）, respectively. No complication of bleeding was observed in either group. Conclusion Guide-wire assisted cannulation in ERCP can shorten operation time, improve success rate and reduce post-ERCP complications. Further evaluations are warranted. Key words: Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde ;  Complications ;  Intubation;  Success rate