Unusual complications related to guidewire use during ERCP: an unappreciated injuries

Abstract

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an endoscopic procedure with relatively low complication risk. The most frequent complications are pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrage and perforation. Other complications specific to guidewire use reported in literature include duodenal perforation, liver and pancreatic parenchyma perforation, and guidewire fracture. We report a case of hepatic subcapsular hematoma and a case of stripped and fractured guidewire during ERCP, which were successfully managed with nonsurgical approach. These cases illustrate examples of unusual but serious complications related to guidewire use during ERCP.