A National Survey on the Environment and Basic Techniques of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea

• Published in: Gut and liver Vol. 15; no. 6; pp. 904 - 911
• Main Authors: Jae Min Lee, Sung Hoon Moon, Sang Wook Park, Woo Hyun Paik, Chang Nyol Paik, Byoung Kwan Son, Tae Jun Song, Dong Won Ahn, Eaum Seok Lee, Yun Nah Lee, Yoon Suk Lee, Tae Joo Jeon, Hyung Ku Chon, Dong Wook Lee, Chang Hwan Park, Kwang Bum Cho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한간학회 30.11.2021
• Subjects: Current status; Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Survey
• ISSN: 1976-2283

Background/Aims: The work environment in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conducted has influence on its efficacy and safety. We aimed to assess the current status of ERCP work environments and to investigate the trends associated with the basic techniques of ERCP in Korea. Methods: The work environment and information on the basic techniques of ERCP were acquired by the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) through a national survey in 2019. The survey was performed at the KPBA conference in 2019. The contents of survey comprised of the current environment of ERCP, preparation before ERCP, and the preferred basic techniques used in ERCP. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 84 KPBA members. The mean ERCP volume per year was approximately 500. About 60% (50/84) reported that they worked with a dedicated ERCP team with experienced nurses. Two-thirds (57/84, 68%) answered that they had a fluoroscopy room used solely for ERCP procedures. All respondents intravenously hydrated the patient to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (84/84, 100%). The preferred procedural sedations were balanced propofol sedation (50%) and midazolam-only sedation (47%). Wire-guided cannulation was most commonly used for selective cannulation (81%). Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage was preferred over endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (60% vs 22%). The initial method of ampullary intervention was endoscopic sphincterotomy in 60%. Conclusions: Data from the survey involving a large number of Korean ERCP doctors revealed considerable variabilities with regard to the work environment and basic techniques of ERCP in Korea. The study provides information regarding the current trends of ERCP that can be used to establish ERCP standards in Korea. (Gut Liver 2021;15:904-911)