Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: an endoscopic perspective

Abstract

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) remains to be the most common adverse event, even in experienced hands. While most of the PEP has a mild clinical course, it could be severe pancreatitis or into mortality. Recently, several endoscopic techniques, such as pancreatic stent placement, guidewire-assisted cannulation, or early precut cannulation, have been suggested as a possible techniques for the PEP prophylaxis. Since several pharmacologic agents are turned out to be non-effective or equivocal except for the rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are not available in Korea, this paper will describe the general aspects of PEP and focus on the endoscopy-techniques for PEP prophylaxis.