Expected and unexpected adverse events in the therapeutic endoscopy of the bile duct (ERCP): experience of a private national center in 1356 consecutive cases (1999-2008)

We report our experience of 10 years in therapeutic procedures of the bile duct (ERCP), describing adverse events or major and minor complications. We describe the associated factors, management, and risk age groups. We comment on the measures taken to prevent and treat them. The reported complications are pancreatitis, perforation, sub-cutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and exceptionally sub capsular liver hematoma. We report the particulars of the proceedings. The total number of complications was 54 cases (3.98% of 1356 interventions). The Acute pancreatitis PA was the most common complication in 39 cases (2.88% of the total and 72% of complications). The 79.49% of the PA was mild. 82% of the PA occurs in women.The procedure related mortality was 1 case (0.007%).