Management for Duodenal Perforation Caused by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Cho, Min Soo; Park, Dong Eun; Chae, Kwon Mook

Abstract

PURPOSE: Although duodenal perforation following ERCP is very rare compared to other complications, it can result in a fatal outcome. To find the most effective treatment strategy, the cases experienced at our hospital were reviewed and analyzed.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review, conducted at our hospital between December 1994 and April 2006, identified 15 periduodenal perforation cases related to ERCP; a rate of 0.53%. The following parameters were reviewed: clinical presentation of perforation, diagnostic methods, time to diagnosis and operation, method of management, length of stay and outcome.
RESULTS
Fourteen patients were managed by surgery and one conservatively. Eleven patients were cured without complications, but four suffered from severe complications, and required several re-operations. Two patients (50%) of the re-operated group died. The mean time to surgery was longer in the re-operated than non-re-operated group (34.3+/-12.4 hours vs. 17.2+/-21.7 hours). The causes for the reoperation were an anastomosis blowout in the duodenotomy for transduodenal sphincteroplasty in 3 and duodenal perforation at the site of transduodenal sphincteroplasty in the remaining patient. All re-operated cases had large retroperitoneal fluid collection, as seen on CT scanning, and had been operated on by inexperienced surgeons.
CONCLUSION
The early detection is important for the treatment of a duodenal perforation following ERCP. If surgical treatment is needed, it must be performed within 24 hours. Although the type of surgical procedure will depend on the surgeon's preference, a less invasive procedure, such as simple closure & drainage, will be adequate in cases with a delayed diagnosis, a septic condition or an inexperienced surgeon.