Is Body Mass Index a Risk Factor in Patients Developing Post-ERCP Complications?

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims Despite numerous studies on Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications, few have explored the BMI-complication relationship. Our study investigates this association to enhance understanding. Methods A retrospective analysis of 196 post-ERCP complication cases (January 2018-December 2021) excluded patients under 18, those with upper gastrointestinal surgery, and altered anatomy. Patients were categorized by BMI into normal weight (32.7%, n = 64), overweight (43.4%, n = 85), and obese (23.9%, n = 47) groups (average BMI: 27.45 ± 5.11). Variables included age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), anticoagulant use, ERCP indications, procedure type, sequence number, duration, manipulations, stent placement, complications, hospital stay, and mortality. Results No statistically significant BMI-related differences emerged in ERCP indications, emergency/elective procedures, post-ERCP complications (pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation), or hospital stay (p > 0.05). The overweight group exhibited a significantly shorter procedure duration (p = 0.001; p < 0.01) and higher CCI score (p = 0.011; p < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest no significant correlation between BMI and post-ERCP complications. Notably, ERCP procedures appear safe in overweight and obese patients.