Air Cholangiography versus Contrast Cholangiography in Patients with Hilar Biliary Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

To minimize the risk of post-procedure complications, air cholangiography has been proposed as an alternative to contrast cholangiography in patients with hilar biliary obstruction undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). We compared the rate of post-ERCP complication between these two groups.

Methods

We systematically reviewed all studies that compared the safety, success, and complication rate of air versus contrast cholangiography in malignant hilar obstruction patients.

Results

A total of six studies consisting of 450 patients were included in the analysis. The overall rate of post-ERCP complication was less in the air cholangiography group (relative risk [RR]: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30-0.61, I ² : 1.97%) compared

SUBMITTER: Tarar ZI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503753 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature