Post-ERCP pancreatitis: review of current preventive strategies

Why is the rectal route for NSAIDS favorable for preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis?

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis is a frequent, burdensome adverse event of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). Rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have reduced post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) risk by about 50 % and show greater efficacy over parenteral or oral administration, although the mechanism for its superiority remains unclear. To probe this question, we investigated in a preclinical model, the pharmacokinetics in the blood, pancreas and other tissues of the NSAID diclofenac given via the rectal, intravenous, or intragastric routes.

METHODS

The data on diclofenac was extracted from a larger study that examined a combination of diclofenac and tacrolimus. 20.8 mg diclofenac/kg body weight, which is the mouse equivalent dosing used in clinical practice for PEP prophylaxis, was administered to C57BL/6J mice via the rectal, intravenous and intragastric (oral) routes. Cross-collection of blood and tissues was done at various timepoints after administration for the evaluation of drug levels and pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

Rectal diclofenac demonstrated favorable blood pharmacokinetics and systemic bioavailability as well as sustained pancreas penetration. The total pancreas exposure to diclofenac over 24 h following rectal dosing was not significantly different as compared to intravenous and oral dosing.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the efficacy of rectal diclofenac in PEP prevention relates more to its higher and consistent systemic exposure than its absolute pancreas levels. The implications are that the rectal route provides both systemic and pancreas exposure for the full duration of PEP vulnerability.

Rectal administration of tacrolimus protects against post-ERCP pancreatitis in mice

OBJECTIVE

There is an unmet clinical need for effective, targeted interventions to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). We previously demonstrated that the serine-threonine phosphatase, calcineurin (Cn) is a critical mediator of PEP and that the FDA-approved calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus (Tac) or cyclosporine A, prevented PEP. Our recent observations in preclinical PEP models demonstrating that Cn deletion in both pancreatic and hematopoietic compartments is required for maximal pancreas protection, highlighted the need to target both systemic and pancreas-specific Cn signaling. We hypothesized that rectal administration of Tac would effectively mitigate PEP by ensuring systemic and pancreatic bioavailability of Tac. We have tested the efficacy of rectal Tac in a preclinical PEP model and in cerulein-induced experimental pancreatitis.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice underwent ductal cannulation with saline infusion to simulate pressure-induced PEP or were given seven, hourly, cerulein injections to induce pancreatitis. To test the efficacy of rectal Tac in pancreatitis prevention, a rectal Tac suppository (1 mg/kg) was administered 10 min prior to cannulation or first cerulein injection. Histological and biochemical indicators of pancreatitis were evaluated post-treatment. Pharmacokinetic parameters of Tac in the blood after rectal delivery compared to intravenous and intragastric administration was evaluated.

RESULTS

Rectal Tac was effective in reducing pancreatic injury and inflammation in both PEP and cerulein models. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the rectal administration of Tac helped achieve optimal blood levels of Tac over an extended time compared to intravenous or intragastric delivery.

CONCLUSION

Our results underscore the effectiveness and clinical utility of rectal Tac for PEP prophylaxis.

Preclinical safety evaluation of calcineurin inhibitors delivered through an intraductal route to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis demonstrates endocrine and systemic safety

OBJECTIVE

There is an urgent need for safe and targeted interventions to mitigate post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) offer therapeutic promise as calcineurin signaling within acinar cells is a key initiating event in PEP. In previous proof-of-concept studies using experimental models, we showed that concurrent intra-pancreatic ductal administration of the CnIs, tacrolimus (Tac) or cyclosporine A (CsA) with the ERCP radiocontrast agent (RC) prevented PEP. To translate this finding clinically, we investigated potential toxic effects of intraductal delivery of a single-dose RC-CnI formulation on endocrine pancreas function and systemic toxicities in a preclinical PEP model.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice underwent ductal cannulation and received a single, intra-pancreatic ductal infusion of RC or RC with Tac or CsA (treatment groups) or underwent ductal cannulation without infusion ('sham' group). To assess endocrine function, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed at two days before infusion and on day 2 and 14 post-surgery. To evaluate off-target tissue toxicities, renal and hepatic function-related parameters including blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were measured at the same time-points as IPGTT. Histological and biochemical indicators of pancreas injury and inflammation were also evaluated.

RESULTS

No abnormalities in glucose metabolism, hepatic or renal function were observed on day 2 or 14 in mice administered with intraductal RC or RC with Tac or CsA.

CONCLUSION

Intraductal delivery of RC-CnI formulation was safe and well-tolerated with no significant acute or subacute endocrine or systemic toxicities, underscoring its clinical utility to prevent PEP.

Comparison of stent and indomethacin suppository efficacy in the prevention of acute pancreatitis after ERCP

Objective:

We aimed to compare stent and indomethacin suppository efficacy in the prevention of acute pancreatitis after ERCP.

Materials and Methods:

76 high-risk patients undergoing ERCP were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as indomethacin group, stent group and control group. Indomethacin group (n = 32) received 100 mg rectal indomethacin immediately after ERCP. A 5F pancreatic stent was applied to the stent group (n = 16) during ERCP. No prophylaxis was given to the control group (n = 28).

Results:

There was no difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. ERCP pancreatitis was seen in 9.2% (7/76) of the patients. The incidence of ERCP-induced pancreatitis (PEP) was 3.1% (1/32) in the indomethacin group and 21.4% (6/28) in the control group. PEP was not seen in the stent group (0/16). The incidence of PEP was significantly lower in the indomethacin group than in the control group (p = 0.043). However, no significant difference was found between the stent and control groups, stent and indomethacin groups in terms of PEP frequency (p = 0.072, p: 0.90 respectively).

Conclusion:

According to the results of our study, rectal indomethacin administration decreased the frequency of PEP in high-risk patients. However, there was no significant difference in PEP prophylaxis between the stent and indomethacin groups.

Pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A narrative review

Acute post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is a feared and potentially fatal complication that can be as high as up to 30% in high-risk patients. Pre-examination measures, during the examination and after the examination are the key to technical and clinical success with a decrease in adverse events. Several studies have debated on the subject, however, numerous topics remain controversial, such as the effectiveness of prophylactic medications and the amylase dosage time. This review was designed to provide an update on the current scientific evidence regarding PEP available in the literature.

Use of NSAIDs via the Rectal Route for the Prevention of Pancreatitis after ERCP in All-Risk Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the rectal administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). We searched database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing periprocedural rectal administration of NSAIDs with placebo for the prevention of PEP. The rectal administration of NSAIDs significantly decreased the incidence of PEP in the whole patient population (odds ratio (OR): 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30–0.64, P < 0.0001), high-risk patients (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19–0.58, P = 0.0001), and all-risk patients (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.84, P = 0.008). The incidence of PEP was reduced by indomethacin (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.82, P = 0.004) and diclofenac (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.15–0.46, P < 0.00001). The administration of NSAIDs before (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25–0.73, P = 0.002) or after (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.27–0.56, P < 0.00001) ERCP reduced PEP. The NSAIDs were associated with a reduction in mild PEP (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.83, P = 0.004) and moderate-to-severe PEP (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28–0.79, P = 0.004). The rectal administration of NSAIDs reduced the incidence of PEP in high-risk and all-risk patients.

The impact of age on the incidence and severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background:

With advancing age there is progressive pancreatic atrophy and fibrosis, leading to tissue destruction and chronic pancreatitis that has been found to be protective against post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). However, there are no reports regarding the potential effect of the aging pancreatic changes on the incidence and severity of PEP. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of senile changes in the pancreas on the incidence and severity of PEP.

Methods:

A total of 2688 patients who underwent the first therapeutic ERCP at a single center were included in the final analysis of the study. Patients were classified into two groups: 1644 patients aged ≤75 years (mean age 61.56+1.26 years), group A; and 1044 patients aged >75 years (mean age 81.97+4.29 years), group B. Patients’ files were identified using a retrospective database linked to the endoscopy reporting system. Patients’ characteristic, endoscopic findings, details of intervention and rate and severity of PEP were evaluated.

Results:

No significant differences between the two groups were observed with regard to ERCP indication, patient- and technique-related risk factors for PEP, presence of periampullary diverticulum, and type of therapeutic intervention. The incidence of PEP was 5.2% in group A and 4% in group B (P=NS) with comparable grades of severity. All episodes of pancreatitis had full recovery with conventional treatment. One death occurred from respiratory arrest in each group of patients.

Conclusion:

This study shows that the pancreatic changes associated with aging do not influence the incidence and severity of PEP.

Value of Raw Rhubarb Solution in the Precaution of Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis in Patients with High-Risk Factors: A Predictive Random Compared Research in One Center

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia are common complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), especially in high-risk patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a raw rhubarb solution can reduce the incidence of PEP and post-ERCP hyperamylasemia.

METHODS

From October 2012 to October 2013, 2100 patients received ERCP in our Endoscopic Center. Five hundred patients with high-risk factors were enrolled randomly into the raw rhubarb group (RG, 250 cases drank a raw rhubarb soak solution per 3 h until defecation after ERCP) and the control group (CG, 250 cases drank water after ERCP) in the study. The serum amylase concentration was measured. The abdominal pain, purge time and symptoms of patients were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no differences in patient demographics, medical history, ERCP procedure, and patient- and procedure-related high-risk factors between the two groups. PEP incidence was 2% (5/250) in the RG group, which was lower than that in the CG group (7.6%, 19/250) (P < 0.01). The rate of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia was 5.2% (13/250) and 16.8% (42/250) in the RG group and CG group, respectively. The incidence of hyperamylasemia in the RG group was significantly lower than that in the CG group (P < 0.01). The incidence of abdominal pain 24 h after ERCP in the RG group was lower than that in the CG group (P < 0.01). No side effects were observed for raw rhubarb solution.

CONCLUSIONS

A raw rhubarb solution is safe and effective in preventing the incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia in high-risk patients.

Incidencia de Pancreatitis Post Colangiopancreatografía Retrógrada Endoscópica

Introducción: La complicación más común de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es la pancreatitis; la incidencia va de un 5 a 7% en general y este número sube a un 10 a 15% en pacientes de alto riesgo; la Sociedad Americana de Endoscopía Gastrointestinal recomienda la profilaxis medicamentosa para prevenir la pancreatitis post CPRE en centros donde la incidencia supera este número o en pacientes con alto riesgo de padecerla, por lo que es necesario tener la epidemiología en todos los centros donde se realice este procedimiento. Objetivos: Obtener la epidemiología de la pancreatitis post CPRE en procedimientos realizados en el Hospital General San Juan de Dios (HGSD) y determinar los factores de riesgo. Metodología: Se observó a 53 pacientes que fueron sometidos a CPRE en el HGSD por 48 horas. Si los pacientes presentaban dolor abdominal típico de pancreatitis, se les midió niveles de amilasa y lipasa en sangre; si estos estaban elevados más de 5 veces el valor normal superior, se diagnosticó pancreatitis post CPRE (PEP). Se obtuvieron datos tanto del paciente como del procedimiento y así se determinó la incidencia de esta complicación y sus factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se obtuvo datos de 53 pacientes sometidos a CPRE, 38 fueron mujeres y 15 hombres. El promedio de edad fue de 44.86 años (+ 14.98). El factor de riesgo más común fue esfinterotomía en 40 pacientes. Solamente 1 paciente desarrolló PEP (1.88%). La pancreatitis fue leve, sin ninguna complicación adicional. La indicación principal de las CPRE realizadas fue la coledocolitiasis en 24 pacientes. Discusión: Se debe dar profilaxis medicamentosa solamente a pacientes de alto riesgo en el HGSD, debido a que la incidencia de pancreatitis es 1.88%, lo cual está incluso por debajo de los límites aceptados por la Sociedad Americana de Endoscopía Gastrointestinal. Conclusión: La incidencia de pancreatitis post CPRE está dentro de los límites aceptados. Sin embargo se deben hacer estudios más grandes para conocer la incidencia en pacientes de alto riesgo.

Effects of melatonin on the acute inflammatory response associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with an acute inflammatory response and melatonin has a variety of immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects studied experimentally in pancreatobiliary pathology.

AIMS

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of peri-procedural administration of melatonin on the inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation associated with ERCP.

METHODS

In this proof-of-concept clinical trial, 37 patients with a high probability of choledocholithiasis were randomized to receive peri-procedure (ERCP) melatonin or placebo. We measured the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipid peroxidation, amylase, and liver function tests 24h before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

We found no pre-procedure or post-procedure differences between the melatonin group or the placebo group (P>.05) in the serum concentrations of TNF-alpha (melatonin: 153.8 vs. 149.4ng/m; placebo: 103.5 vs. 107.3ng/ml), IL-6 (melatonin: 131.8 vs. 133.3ng/ml; placebo: 177.8 vs. 197.8ng/ml), or VEGF (melatonin: 157.3 vs. 157.8pg/ml; placebo: 97.3 vs. 97.8pg/ml), or in relation to lipid peroxidation (melatonin: 39.2 vs. 72.3μg/ml; placebo: 66.4 vs. 90.5μg/ml). After ERCP, a significant decrease in the AST, ALT, and total bilirubin levels was found only in the melatonin group (P<.05). The administration of melatonin was safe and tolerable.

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin is safe and tolerable in patients undergoing ERCP, but it does not appear to affect inflammatory cytokine concentrations or lipid peroxidation.

Pancreatic Stent or Rectal Indomethacin-Which Better Prevents Post-ERCP Pancreatitis?: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

We investigated and compared 2 clinical strategies to prevent postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent ERCP between 2008 and 2014. Of 623 patients at high risk for PEP, 145 were treated with prophylactic pancreatic stent placement (PSP) only, and 478 were treated with rectal indomethacin (RI) only, for PEP prevention. Patients were matched by one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) by risk factors, with overall PEP incidence as primary outcome, and moderate or severe PEP and complication rates as secondary outcomes.Of 623 patients with high-risk factors, 145 pairs were generated after PSM. Thirty-two patients developed pancreatitis-10 (6.9 %) in the PSP group and 22 (15.2 %) in the RI group (P = 0.025). Moderate-to-severe pancreatitis developed in 5 patients (2.8%) in the PSP group and 14 patients (9.7 %) in the RI group (P = 0.047).Although indomethacin represents an easy, inexpensive treatment, prophylactic PSP is still the better prevention strategy for PEP.

The safety and efficacy of ERCP in the pediatric population with standard scopes: Does size really matter?

Experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the pediatric population is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ERCP in the pediatric population performed by adult gastroenterologists with standard duodenoscopes. This study is a structured retrospective review of endoscopic reports, computerized and paper medical records, and radiographic images of patients under the age of 18 who underwent ERCP for any indication at a tertiary referral centre. Data regarding demographic characteristics and medical history of patients, indications, technical success rate, final clinical diagnosis, and complications were analyzed. Forty-eight children with a mean age of 13 years (range 2–17) underwent a total of 65 ERCPs. The indications of ERCP were as follows; suspected choledocholithiasis (55 %), post-liver transplantation anastomotic biliary strictures (21 %), post-surgical bile duct injury (10 %), choledochal cyst (2 %), recurrent or chronic pancreatitis (10 %), and trauma (2 %). The cannulation success rate in the overall procedure was 93.8 %. Therapeutic interventions were performed in 70.7 % of patients. Post ERCP pancreatitis was the most common complication occurring in 9.2 % of patients, and no procedure related mortality occurred. When performed by well-trained adult gastroenterologists, the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with standard duodenoscopes is safe in pediatric population.

Risk factors for therapeutic ERCP-related complications: an analysis of 2,715 cases performed by a single endoscopist

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is now the exclusive endoscopic therapeutic modality for biliary as well as pancreatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate patient- and procedure-related risk factors for post-ERCP complications in a large-scale study of procedures performed by a single experienced endoscopist.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study which included a total of 2,715 therapeutic ERCPs enrolled in the final analysis. Potential important patient- and procedure-related risk factors for overall post-ERCP complications, pancreatitis and post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Following the first therapeutic ERCP, 327 patients suffered complications; pancreatitis was observed in 132 (4.9%) patients, hemorrhage in 122 (4.5%) patients, cholangitis in 63 (2.3%) patients, perforation in 3 (0.11%) patients, and basket impaction in 7 (0.26%) patients. History of acute pancreatitis was more common in patients with post-ERCP complications (P<0.001). Female gender, young age (<40 years), periampullary diverticulum, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, metal stent placement, opacification of main pancreatic duct and suprapapillary fistulotomy were not found to be risk factors for overall post-ERCP complications and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Multivariate analysis showed a history of acute pancreatitis, difficult cannulation, needle-knife papillotomy, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, opacification of first and second class pancreatic ductules and acinarization as independent risk factors for overall complications and PEP, whereas antiplatelet and anticoagulation drug use were not found to be independent risk factors for post-ES bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that the endoscopist's experience reduces patient- and procedure-related risk factors for post-ERCP complications.

Comparison between ulinastatin and nafamostat for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications: a prospective, randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this prospective trial was to compare the effect of ulinastatin and nafamostat on the prophylaxis of post-ERCP complications.

METHODS

A total of 159 patients who underwent ERCP were divided into ulinastatin (n = 53), nafamostat (n = 53) and control (n = 53) groups. Each patient received ulinastatin (150,000 units), nafamostat (20 mg), or placebo from 2-4 h before ERCP to 6-8 h after ERCP. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PEP, and the secondary endpoints were the incidence of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia and abdominal pain.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of PEP was 6.3% (10/159) and no significant differences were observed between ulinastatin and nafamostat groups in terms of the incidences of PEP (1.9% and 3.8%, P = 0.560), hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia, and abdominal pain, although these were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference for preventing PEP between ulinastatin and nafamostat and both drugs were efficacious for preventing post-ERCP complications.

Application of balloon suction radiography-assisted guidewire insertion in management of incarcerated stones in the common bile duct

AIM: To assess the application of balloon suction radiography-assisted guidewire insertion in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with incarcerated stones in the upper or middle segment of the common bile duct.

METHODS: Clinical data for 15 patients with incarcerated stones in the upper or middle segment of the common bile duct who underwent radiography-assisted guidewire insertion in ERCP at our hospital from June 2005 to January 2012 were retrospectively analzyed.

RESULTS: Radiography was successful in all 15 patients, and the guidewire went through the incarcerated stones in each patient. After ERCP, one patient developed acute pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia but recovered after receiving medical treatment for 2-5 d. No bleeding or perforation occurred.

CONCLUSION: Balloon suction radiography-assisted guidewire insertion can reduce operative time and improve the success rate and safety in patients with incarcerated stones in the common bile duct.

Risk models for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP): smoking and chronic liver disease are predictors of protection against PEP

OBJECTIVES

We investigated which variables independently associated with protection against or development of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and severity of PEP. Subsequently, we derived predictive risk models for PEP.

METHODS

In a case-control design, 6505 patients had 8264 ERCPs, 211 patients had PEP, and 22 patients had severe PEP. We randomly selected 348 non-PEP controls. We examined 7 established- and 9 investigational variables.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, 7 variables predicted PEP: younger age, female sex, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), pancreatic sphincterotomy, moderate-difficult cannulation (MDC), pancreatic stent placement, and lower Charlson score. Protective variables were current smoking, former drinking, diabetes, and chronic liver disease (CLD, biliary/transplant complications). Multivariate analysis identified seven independent variables for PEP, three protective (current smoking, CLD-biliary, CLD-transplant/hepatectomy complications) and 4 predictive (younger age, suspected SOD, pancreatic sphincterotomy, MDC). Pre- and post-ERCP risk models of 7 variables have a C-statistic of 0.74. Removing age (seventh variable) did not significantly affect the predictive value (C-statistic of 0.73) and reduced model complexity. Severity of PEP did not associate with any variables by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

By using the newly identified protective variables with 3 predictive variables, we derived 2 risk models with a higher predictive value for PEP compared to prior studies.

Prevention and management of adverse events of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a therapeutic procedure with the potential for a variety of adverse events, including acute pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding, and cardiopulmonary complications, which are well-established risk factors. It has become standard that patients undergoing ERCP are carefully selected based on appropriate indications. Once an ERCP is undertaken, preprocedure and intraprocedure risks should be assessed and appropriate risk-reducing modalities, such as prophylactic pancreatic stent placement and rectal indomethacin, should be used if patient or procedural factors suggest an increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Prophecy about post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: From divination to science

One unresolved issue of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), which occurs in up to 40% of patients. Identification of risk factors for PEP is especially important in the field of ERCP practice because it may assist physicians in taking protective measures in situations with high risk. A decade ago, Freeman et al meticulously evaluated a large number of potentially relevant risk factors for PEP, which can be divided into patient-related and procedure-related issues. In this commentary, we summarize this classic article and reevaluate the risk factors for PEP from the current point of view. This is followed by assessment of strategies for prevention of PEP that can be divided into mechanical and pharmacologic methods.