Pancreatic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a single-center experience in 171 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

In recent years, interest in endoscopic therapy techniques for pancreatic diseases has been constantly increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the technical success, technique, and complications of endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 171 patients with chronic pancreatitis and abdominal complaints were identified in whom at least one attempt at EPS was carried out. During the procedure, sphincterotomy was carried out using a guide-wire sphincterotome or a needle-knife papillotome. Patients were followed up after EPS for at least 24 h, including clinical symptoms and laboratory data (pancreatic enzymes and hemoglobin/hematocrit).

RESULTS

EPS was performed in 167 of the 171 patients (technical success rate: 97.7 %). In 24 patients (14 %), a precut technique was necessary using a needle-knife sphincterotome. Sphincterotomy-related complications were observed in seven of the 171 patients (4.1 %), including three cases of bleeding, three patients with mild pancreatitis, and one with retroduodenal perforation. All complications were managed medically. There was no treatment-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic sphincterotomy of the pancreatic duct in patients with chronic pancreatitis is a fairly safe procedure with a high technical success rate.