Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is useful for the management of biliary tract diseases; in patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension may increase the risk for complications from ERCP. We evaluated the outcome and risk factors related to ERCP in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Patients and methods: In this case-control study, 37 patients (71 procedures) with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (group 1) and 37 controls (group 2) undergoing ERCP were included. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to predict the risk factors.
Results: Mean Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were 9±2.1 and 17.8±6, respectively. Ascites was present in 46% of the patients, esophageal varices in 63% (large esophageal varices 43.7%), and hepatic encephalopathy in 16%. The main indication for ERCP in both groups was choledocholithiasis. Successful cannulation rate was 97% in both groups. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed more frequently in group 2 than in group 1 (60 vs. 35%, P=0.036); there was no difference in the frequency of complications related to ERCP between cirrhotics and noncirrhotics (10 vs. 8%, P=0.677). Complications in patients with cirrhosis were related to lower alkaline phosphatase and sphincterotomy rate; in the multivariable analysis only sphincterotomy was independently associated with complications [odds ratio 9.8 (1.7-56.3)]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a MELD score of more than 16 to best predict complications after ERCP in cirrhosis.
Conclusion: Outcomes after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis are similar to those of noncirrhotics despite the alteration in coagulation parameters and the presence of disease-specific complications; however, a more cautious approach in patients with cirrhosis undergoing sphincterotomy and MELD of more than 16 is needed.