| Summary: | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has continued to develop over recent decades with regard to both indications for its use and improvements in technique. The most common complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) with incidence rates being reported at ~10%. The exact mechanism of PEP is unknown but is likely multifactorial with papillary edema contributing to the activation of the inflammatory cascade playing an important role. Selected risk factors include patient-related factors (female sex, younger age, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and history of PEP) and procedure-related factors (difficult cannulation, multiple pancreatic duct guidewire passes, pancreatic acinarization, multiple pancreatic duct contrast injections, and precut sphincterotomy). Several preventative prophylactic strategies have been posited; however, current guidelines recommend the use of rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid hydration, and pancreatic duct stents. Appropriate patient selection and the use of noninvasive imaging modalities for diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary abnormalities is a key aspect in prevention. Future studies continue to explore various pharmacologic, procedure-related, and combination strategies for prevention and will be important as the use of ERCP continues to grow.
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