Outcome of ERCP related to case-volume

Abstract

Background and aims: In some studies, high endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) case-volume has been shown to correlate to high success rate in terms of successful cannulation and fewer adverse events. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between ERCP success and complications, and endoscopist and centre case-volumes. Methods: Data were obtained from the Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) on all ERCPs performed for Common Bile Duct Stone (CBDS) (n = 17,873) and suspected or confirmed malignancy (n = 6152) between 2009 and 2018. Successful cannulation rate, procedure time, intra- and postoperative complication rates and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate, were compared with endoscopist and centre ERCP case-volumes during the year preceding the procedure as predictor. Results: In multivariable analyses of the CBDS group adjusting for age, gender and year, a high endoscopist case-volume was associated with higher successful cannulation rate, lower complication and PEP rates, and shorter procedure time (p < 0.05). Centres with a high annual case-volume were associated with high successful cannulation rate and shorter procedure time (p < 0.05), but not lower complication and PEP rates. When indication for ERCP was malignancy, a high endoscopist case-volume was associated with high successful cannulation rate and low PEP rates (p < 0.05), but not shorter procedure time or low complication rate. Centres with high case-volume were associated with high successful cannulation rate and low complication and PEP rates (p < 0.05), but not shorter procedure time. Conclusions: The results suggest that higher endoscopist and centre case-volumes are associated with safer ERCP and successful outcome.