Prevalence and Related Factors of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Cholangiocarcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is a frequent but insufficiently studied complication in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This study aimed to evaluate incidence and risk factors of PEP in CCA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 148 CCA patients who underwent ERCP between 2019 and 2022. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were compared between patients with and without PEP, and logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. Results: PEP occurred in 26.4% of patients, mostly aged ≥ 66 years, male, and with perihilar CCA. In PEP cases, metallic stents were frequently used, procedures often exceeded 60 min, and 28.2% developed post-ERCP cholangitis. Hospital stay was ≥4 days in nearly 90% of cases. PEP severity was mild (10.3%), moderate (61.5%), and severe (28.2%). Multivariate analysis showed older age, metallic stent placement, and post-ERCP cholangitis as independent risk factors, while bilirubin ≥ 15 mg/dL was protective. Conclusions: PEP occurred in over one-fourth of CCA patients, predominantly of moderate severity. Independent risk factors included older age, metallic stent placement, and post-ERCP cholangitis, whereas bilirubin ≥ 15 mg/dL was protective. Awareness of these factors may aid risk stratification and prevention in this high-risk group.