Evaluation of the role of oral Losartan in the prevention of post ERCP pancreatitis

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1968, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) has become a commonly performed endoscopic procedure. The diagnostic and therapeutic utility of ERCP has been demonstrated for a variety of disorders including choledocholithiasis, the diagnosis and management of biliary and pancreatic neoplasms, and the postoperative management of biliary perioperative complications. Reported complication rates vary widely in the published literature because of differences in study design, patient population, and definitions of complications. Pancreatitis is the most common serious ERCP complication. Although transient increase in serum pancreatic enzymes may occur in as many as 75% of patients, such an increase does not necessarily constitute pancreatitis. Many trials were adopted to reduce frequency and severity of post ERCP pancreatitis; these included: • Pharmacological prophylaxis: The list of pharmacological agents that have been tested for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis is long and variable e.g. rectal diclofenac, antibiotics, heparin,