Korean J Pancreas Biliary Tract.  2023 Apr;28(2):32-37. 10.15279/kpba.2023.28.2.32.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography during Pregnancy

• Han JH

• KMID: 2541910
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15279/kpba.2023.28.2.32

Abstract

Physiological changes caused by pregnancy promote the formation of gallstones, increasing the risk of acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, and cholelithiasis that occur during pregnancy. Since these diseases can be fatal to both mother and fetus, active treatment is critical. Biliary gallstones are preferably treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), even during pregnancy. While there is no alternative, safer and easier treatment method, complications from ERCP are lethal; therefore, several risks and benefits must be considered. First, various tests should be conducted and considered to determine whether ERCP is necessary. The risk of congenital disabilities from radiation exposure to the fetus during ERCP should be considered and minimized. Furthermore, clinicians should be aware of and use safe anesthetic agents and antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy. Finally, ERCPists should be familiar with various technical methods, such as the recently introduced ERCP technique without radiation exposure, stent drainage without complete removal of gallstones in the case of large biliary stones, and removal of biliary stones after childbirth. Pregnancy is not a contraindication for ERCP; as a lifesaving procedure, it should be performed when necessary. Even though the safety of ERCP is considered an acceptable risk in pregnancy, clinicians should continue to try and find safer ways for pregnant women and fetuses being treated for cholelithiasis.

Keyword

Choledocholithiasis; Pregnancy; ERCP; Radiation exposure; Teratogenesis; 담석증; 임신; 역행성 담췌관조영 내시경시술; 방사선 피폭; 기형유발