The Main Complications of ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specific technique used to study the pancreatobiliary system that is performed in hepatogastroenterology centers. Recent, common uses for therapeutic ERCP are largely due to advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endosonography. In the United States alone, over 500,000 therapeutic ERCP are performed annually.  Due to its potential for complications, all practitioners should be well-educated about the indications for ERCP, its contraindications, sedations, patient monitoring during and after ERCP, and  the necessary co-operation amongst medical personnel. As a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, there are potential complications directly related to the severity of the disease and complexity of the procedure. In this paper, we present a review of primary ERCP complications.