Duodenal perforation in course of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-endoscopic sphincterotomy. Therapeutic considerations.

AIM OF THE STUDY To define the therapeutic program for the treatment of perforative complication of the duodenum in course of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). MATERIAL OF THE STUDY: In the period from 1997 to 2003, 5 duodenal perforations occurred during 101 ERCP/ES (4.95%), executed in two digestive endoscopic centres. Three patients were operated in emergency (duodenostomy, external biliary drainage, gastric-enteric-anastomosis). The other two were treated conservatively with nasal-duodenal drainage in aspiration. RESULTS The postoperative complications were modest. Anyway there were no signs of sepsis nor of retro/endoperitoneal purulent collections. Biliary drainage, upon radiologic control, and duodenostomy, were removed within the 4th postoperative week. There was no mortality. DISCUSSION Immediate surgery was performed when the presence of the radio-contrast in the retroperitoneum was persistent. In case of retroperitoneal and/or small perforations, we preferred early oral intake, trusting on the diversion of the biliary and duodenal secretions. The point form perforations, without persistence of radio-contrast, were treated by the conservative approach. CONCLUSION The proposed treatment of duodenal perforation in course of ERCP was efficacious and safe, and avoided in our experience every risk of septic evolution.