Efficacy of ERCP in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) works to treat idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis (IRAP) in adults. It also clarify the efficacy of ERCP in the diagnosis of IRAP. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does ERCP reduce the frequency of pancreatitis episodes in IRAP patients? Does ERCP contribute to identify the etiology of IRAP patients? Participants will be randomly allocated to receive ERCP (pancreatic sphincterotomy and pancreatic stent placement) or conservative treatment and be followed for 1 year.
• Aged 18 to 70 years.
• Patients diagnosed with IRAP:
‣ Previously experienced 2 or more distinct episodes of acute pancreatitis (AP) with complete resolution between each episode, and absence of irreversible structural and functional changes in pancreas. The diagnosis of AP is based on the Atlanta criteria and is documented in the medical record.
⁃ The etiology of RAP remains undetermined after routine clinical investigations, including history, laboratory examination, imaging examination (CT, MRI/MRCP, EUS). Patients who still have AP episodes after elimination of the etiology also be included.
• At least 1 episode of AP one year prior to enrollment.
• Consent to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form.