ERCP in Patients With Cirrhosis: "Risky Business" Or "Just Do it"?

Abstract

Acute-on-chronic-liver-failure (ACLF) describes acute deterioration of liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis resulting in organ failure, and can occur as a procedural complication. In the current issue, Leal et al found that, compared to in-patients with cirrhosis who did not undergo interventions, ACLF was significantly more common among undergoing ERCP, but not more so than other non-ERCP interventions. ACLF risk increased significantly, however, if an ERCP-related AE occurred. ACLF can be a consequence of both the indication for and a complication of ERCP. When the indication is strong, the benefit of ERCP still outweighs risk among patients with cirrhosis.