Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy) versus conservative treatment in patients with acute pancreatitis were eligible for inclusion. Patients were required to receive ERCP within 72 hours of admission.
The review outcomes were local pancreatic complications including infected pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic abscess, and pancreatic pseudocyst (according to the Atlanta Classification). Also assessed were the incidence of bile stone detection and procedure-related complications.
Included trials initiated early ERCP from within 24 to within 72 hours after admission or onset of disease. Severity of disease was defined using the Glasgow, Hong Kong, Acosta or APACHE II criteria; most trials included both patients with mild and severe pancreatitis.
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review.