Study of Forceps Cannulation During ERCP

A difficult cannulation has been identified as one of the high risk factors for developing post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The accessibility and morphology of the papilla influence the level of cannulation difficulty. The use of a forceps to assist in the cannulation is a demonstrated effective technique for cannulating papillae that are difficult to access. Thus, the objective of our study is to determine whether a forceps assisted cannulation leads to less difficult cannulation during ERCP. Because difficult cannulation is associated with increased risk of PEP, our study investigates whether the forceps assisted cannulation also reduces the incidence of PEP as a secondary outcome. Eligible patients who have consented will either be randomized to cannulation with forceps or cannulation with no forceps.