Search

Background: Biliary reflux secondary to cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is a late condition commonly encountered among patients referred for gastroenterological management. It has been recognized as part of the post-cholecystectomy syndrome, but it also occurs long time after endoscopic biliary clearance through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Dysgeusia may be a leading symptom in patients with biliary reflux. Materials and methods: Our study aimed at assessing the presence of dysgeusia among patients with biliary reflux secondary to either cholecystectomy or ERCP and ES, comparatively with a group of control patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 47 patients were included in the study over 6 months: 14 patients diagnosed with post-cholecystectomy syndrome, 16 patients evaluated 1 year after ERCP and ES and 17 controls diagnosed with NAFLD. Presence of dysgeusia was determined by an open questionnaire. Results and discussion: Statistically significant differences were observed among the study groups and controls. Dysgeusia was a condition more frequently encountered in both study groups, compared to NAFLD patients. Nevertheless, there are no significant differences between the two study groups as to the presence of such symptom. Conclusions: Dysgeusia may be regarded as a common symptom associated with biliary reflux, so that it may be considered a potential late complication of ERCP and cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has always been recognized as the digestive endoscopy procedure most frequently associated with adverse events and complications. Acute pancreatitis, bleeding, perforations and infections are the usual cited procedural adverse events. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether ERCP is prone to post-procedural oro-pharyngeal symptoms compared to usual gastroscopy. Materials and methods: The prospective study enrolled 155 patients of whom 90 underwent ERCP for choledocholithiasis and 65 were examined by conventional front view gastroscopy in a tertiary unit of gastroenterology and hepatology, between January and July 2017. The presence of immediate postprocedural and of 48 hour oro-pharyngeal pain and/or discomfort was assessed. Results and discussion: No significant differences were recorded as to the presence of oro-pharyngeal symptoms in the two groups. Nevertheless, over 38% of the patients did experience such symptoms immediately after endoscopy, while in up to more than 14% of them the symptoms did not disappear in the first 48 hours. Conclusions: Oro-pharyngeal symptoms, a reality of the digestive endoscopy procedures, should be considered as precocious adverse events associated with upper digestive tract endoscopy. Even if complete resolution of symptoms is expected to occur in most patients after 24 hours, there are cases when prolonged discomfort could happen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]