Background. Bedside biliary drainage by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) without fluoroscopy for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains challenging for endoscopists. The present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiation-free ERCP for these patients. Methods. Consecutive ICU patients with severe pancreaticobiliary disorders who underwent bedside radiation-free ERCP were retrospectively analyzed. Results. Radiation-free ERCP was performed in 80 patients with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score of 24.1±6.2. Cannulation was achieved in 75 (93.75%) patients. Biliary drainage was successfully conducted in 74 (92.5%) patients, including 54 (67.5%) and 20 (25.0%) cases of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), respectively. Adverse event (mild post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)) occurred only in 1 case. The 30-day mortality rate of these patients was 36.25% (29/80) and was much more higher in patients with ERBD in contrast to that of patients with ENBD, 40.7% (22/54) vs. 20% (4/20), OR=2.750, 95%CI=0.810−9.3405, P=0.110. The APACHE II score in nonsurvivors was significantly higher than survivors, 27.6±4.3 versus 22.2±6.3, P=0.009. The APACHE II score>22 was an independent risk factor for mortality, 50% versus 10.7%, 95%CI=2.148−31.569, P=0.002. Conclusions. Radiation-free ERCP guided bedside biliary drainage is effective and safe for critically ill patients, and ENBD may be an optimal procedure due to a low mortality in these patients.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in critically ill patients is safe and effective when performed in the endoscopy suite