Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-8 | Issue-02 | 99-102
Original Research Article
Impact of COVID-19 on ERCP Practice: A Center Experience from North Africa
Mohamed Borahma, Walid El Ouardi, Imane Benelbarhdadi, Fatima Zahra Ajana
Published : Feb. 28, 2022
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced gastrointestinal endoscopy practice worldwide. We aimed to evaluate its impact on the ERCP practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze all ERCPs performed during 2020 in our unit by comparing the first trimester of the year or the pre-pandemic period with the rest of the year or the pandemic period. Results: We performed 149 ERCPs with 65 ERCPs (43.6%) during the pre-pandemic period and 84 ERCPs (56.4%) during the pandemic period. ERCPs volumes decreased by 57% during the pandemic period in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. The most ERCP indications were common bile duct stones and malignant biliary strictures with an increase in numbers of acute cholangitis during the pandemic period (p=0.035). There was no difference regarding cannulation methods and technical success between the two periods. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the ERCP practice in our unit with a significant decrease in the ERCP volumes with an increase in the urgent ERCP indications.