Retrospective Analysis of Radiation Exposure During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Critical Determinants

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has a logarithmic relationship with radiation exposure, and carries a known risk of radiation exposure to patients and staff. Factors associated with prolonged fluoroscopy duration have not been well delineated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the specific patient, physician and procedural factors that affect fluoroscopy duration. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1071 ERCPs performed at two tertiary care referral hospitals over an 18-month period was conducted. Patient, physician and procedural variables were recorded at the time of the procedure. RESULTS: The mean duration of 969 fluoroscopy procedures was 4.66 min (95% CI 4.38 to 4.93). Multivariable analysis showed that the specific patient factors associated with prolonged fluoroscopy duration included age and diagnosis (both P