Sonographic Detection of Prophylactic Pancreatic Stents
Sonographic Detection of Prophylactic Pancreatic Stents
The Retention of pancreatic stents for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is
 assessed by abdominal x-ray according to international Guidelines. The current study aimed to
 analyze whether prophylactic pancreatic stents can be detected by transdermal ultrasound to
 save the x-ray examination.
Pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde
 cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Several pharmacologic and procedure-related measurements
 have been established for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis one being the placement of
 pancreatic duct stents in patients with high risk for PEP. The beneficial role of pancreatic
 stenting in the prophylaxis of PEP was demonstrated in large meta-analyses. The used stents
 have a high potential of self dislodgment, retained stents have to be removed endoscopically
 after 5-10 days. For evaluation of spontaneous stent passage abdominal x-ray ist used and
 accordingly retained stents removed. The current study aimed to analyze whether prophylactic
 pancreatic stents can be detected by transdermal ultrasound to save the x-ray examination.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patient after pancreatic stent placement for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis

 -  age 18-79

 -  signed informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  any disease that rules out study participation

 -  patient not legally competent to sign informed consent

 -  chronic pancreatis as indication for pancreatic stenting