title: [Endoscopic sphincterotomy as an out-patient procedure: is it safe?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients have been routinely admitted for observation for potential complications after therapeutic ERCP; however, in this era of cost containment it may be more cost-effective to perform these procedures on an out-patient basis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine safety and complication rates of endoscopic sphincterotomy in out-patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over an 11-month period, 124 consecutive patient undergoing endoscopic sphincterotomy for biliary and pancreatic disease were enrolled in a prospective and randomized manner. Sixty patients (Group A) were observed 1-3 h post procedure before discharge with follow-up at 5 days. The other 62 patients (Group B) were admitted for observation. The statistical method was Fisher test and chi 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 98.3% (122/124) of patients. Eighty five patients were female and 37 male. There were 60 outpatients and 62 in-patients; endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed by choledocholithiasis in 59.9% (70 cases) and papillary stenoses in 16.4% (20 cases). Complication rates were 3.27% (four patients): three pancreatitis and one bleeding. There were three in-patients and one outpatient (p. 313). We reduce costs $324,120.00 M.N. (Mexican pesos) without compromising patient safety and outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic sphincterotomy may be performed safely on an outpatient basis, realizing significant savings in costs.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Endoscopia Digestiva, Hospital de Especialidades No. 71, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Blvd. Revolución y Calle 26, C.P. 27000 Torreón, Coahuila.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Güitrón-Cantú
authors.forename: Raúl
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Adalid-Martínez
authors.forename: José A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-Bermúdez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome