Negative outcomes related to gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Definitions, classification, and quality review process.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), together with its substantial therapeutic capabilities, carries a higher potential for complications compared with other endoscopic procedures. Complications of ERCP vary in severity from trivial to lethal, and their presentation has a variable timing. The incidence of ERCP complications correlates with physician experience and clinical environments and may be underestimated if routine follow-up is not provided. Physicians should be fully trained in therapeutic endoscopy, and their volume of procedure should be sufficient to maintain therapeutic skills.