The duodenum is the second most common site for diverticulum after colon. According to studies, the presence of diverticulum in the duodenum reduces the chances of ERCP success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of duodenal diverticulum in candidates for ERCP and the effect of these diverticula on the treatment outcomes and success rate of ERCP.

This retrospective study performed by evaluation of archives of Ahvaz Imam Hospital as a referral tertiary center. During a 6-year period, the Data of all of the ERCP procedures extracted and the results and success rate of ERCP compared based on presence or absence of duodenal diverticulum.

during this period, overall 892 ERCP have performed. 60% of participants were female (536 cases) and the mean age of subjects was 56.8 years. During ERCP, duodenal diverticula was seen in 82 patients (9.2%), and ERCP was successful in 75.8% of patients. Patients with duodenal diverticulum had more ERCP failure compared with others (39% vs 22.7%, P = 0.02). The mean age (64 vs 56 years, P = 0.004) and prevalence of biliary stones (56.8% vs 56.1%, P = 0.529) was higher in patients with duodenal diverticulum in comparison with other patients.

According to the results of this study, the rate of ERCP failure in patients with diverticulum is higher. Considering the prevalence of biliary stones in these patients and its possible complications, it is advisable to performing ERCP in such patients by experienced operator.