Complications in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): analysis of 7-year physician-reported adverse events

INTRODUCTION: The number of malpractice claims against physicians and health institutes is increasing continuously in Israel as in the rest of the Western world, and has become a serious financial burden. AIM: In this study we analyzed the reports of gastroenterologists on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) adverse events to the risk management authority between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2006. METHODS: All the reported adverse events associated with ERCP and EUS of health institutes and covered by Madanes Insurance Agency were summarized and analyzed. Clinical and epidemiological details about the patients, procedures, and adverse events were coded into an Excel worksheet, discussed, and evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two cases of ERCP and EUS adverse events were reported. There were nine cases of men (21.4%) and the average age was 69.3 ± 14.3 years. During this period, 10,647 procedures were performed by the institutes concerned and the number of adverse events was 20.2 to 67.8 per year for 10,000 procedures. Perforation occurred in one out of 367 procedures, bleeding in one out of 5323 procedures, teeth trauma in one out of 5323 procedures, and respiratory complications in one out of 10,647 procedures. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Israel about physicians’ reports of ERCP and EUS adverse events. Physicians reported only about severe adverse events with high rate of mortality and morbidity.