Timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, are we following the guidelines!

ABSTRACT

Aims: Introduction Gallstone is well known, among other aetiologies, cause of Acute pancreatitis . It is crucial to makeearly diagnosis as different treatment approached is recommended which includes early ERCP and cholecystectomy . In aproven or suspected gallstone pancreatitis, patients should undergo a therapeutic ERCP within 72 hours as per BSGguidleines . Methods We retrospectively studied all ERCP procedures done during the first wave of Covid-19 between Jan-Jun 2020.Data were retrieved using electronic patient records as well as endoscopic reporting applications. Results 113 ERCP had been performed in our hospital during the first wave of Covid-19. Among them, they was only 8patients who had ERCP for Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis. 5 patients only had ERCP during the 72 hours of the onset of painoccurred in 60 % (n = 3). 2 patients did not have their ERCP within the recommended time and one patient received medicaltreatment. Conclusions 60 % adherence is not adequate. We recommend development of local stander of procedure, pathway, orenhancement of early referral to Endoscopy unit. We recommend that all referral to ERCP will need to be reviewed withmore urgency. Feedback to the acute medical team and emergency department to make more urgent referral tohepatobiliary team when gallstone pancreatitis is suspected.