Efficacy of Administration of Somatostatin in the Prevention of Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is the most frequent (5-10%) and severe complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), that could require of surgical intervention and lead to death. A double- blind study designed to evaluate if the treatment with somatostatin in intravenous bolus before starting the ERCP procedure followed by a continuous infusion for 4 hours after endoscopic proof could prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis. Patients submitted to ERCP will be randomized in two groups of treatment, one will receive somatostatin and another placebo. The main aim of this study will be the incidence of acute post-ERCP pancreatitis and secondary objectives will be identify sub-groups of patient with high risk to develop post-ERCP pancreatitis, who could benefit of pharmacologic prophylaxis before the exploration. The study will include 510 patients submitted to an ERCP during a period of 3 years.