The Usefulness of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography at Preoperative or Postoperative Cystic Echinococcus Patients

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at cystic echinococcus (CE) patients in the preoperative or postoperative period. Methods: Hepatic CE patients who underwent ERCP due to jaundice, bile leakage and rupture of the cyst to biliary tract between January 2010 and January 2018 were retrospectively evaluated in the study. Clinical status of the patients, ERCP, operation and radiology reports, and blood tests were assessed through hospital records and ERCP techniques, and ERCP success, complications and clinical situations of patients were noted. Results: A total of 63 patients who participated in the study had 71 ERCP procedures and the mean age of the patients was 46.49±18.33 years and the W/M ratio was 31/32. ERCP were performed due to icter, bile leakage and opening to biliary tract at 38.28 and five patients respectively. Sphincterotomy and balloon application is the most frequently applied procedure in 40/71 patients. The mean time of closure of the bile leakage after ERCP was 19.29±10.64 days. ERCP was not successful in 4/63 patients (6.3%). Conclusion: ERCP can be safely and successfully used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in CE patients and CE complications.