Complications of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP.

Complications associated with ERCP have been well defined, clinically recognized, and effectively managed conservatively. Few patients require surgery or prolonged hospitalization. The morbidity and mortality associated with ERCP and sphincterotomy have remained low, and, although the outcome of endoscopy is equivalent or better than surgical or radiologic techniques, the complications are less. Despite the general acceptance of ERCP, its therapeutic applications, its more universal performance, and the morbidity and mortality rates have remained the same or lower since its introduction a quarter of a century ago.