Role of diclofenac in reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background and Aims: Acute pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiography presents a unique opportunity for prophylaxis and early modification of the disease process because the initial triggering event is temporally well defined and takes place in the hospital. We report a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind controlled trial to determine if rectal diclofenac reduces the incidence of pancreatitis following cholangiopancreatography. Methods: Entry to the trial was restricted to patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Immediately after endoscopy, patients were given a suppository containing either 100 mg diclofenac or placebo. Estimation of serum amylase level and clinical evaluation were performed in all patients. Results: One hundred patients entered the trial, and 50 received rectal diclofenac. Fifteen patients developed pancreatitis (15%), of whom two received rectal diclofenac and 13 received placebo (P < 0.01). Conclusions: This trial shows that rectal diclofenac given immediately after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can reduce the incidence of acute pancreatitis.