LAUSR

Background/Aims This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-related adverse events (AEs) that eventually lead to medical disputes or claims on medical professional liability. Methods Medical disputes for ERCP/EUS-related AEs filed in the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency between April 2012 and August 2020 were evaluated using corresponding medical records. AEs were categorized into three sections: procedure-related, sedation-related, and safety-related AEs. Results Among a total of 34 cases, procedure-related AEs were 26 (76.5%; 12 duodenal perforations, seven post-ERCP pancreatitis, five bleedings, 2 perforations combined with post-ERCP pancreatitis); sedation-related AEs were five (14.7%; 4 cardiac arrests, one desaturation), and safety-related AEs were three (8.8%; 1 follow-up loss for stent removal, one asphyxia, 1 fall). Regarding clinical outcomes, 20 (58.8%) were fatal and eventually succumbed to AEs. For the types of medical institutions, 21 cases (61.8%) occurred at tertiary or academic hospitals, and 13 (38.2%) occurred at community hospitals. Conclusions The ERCP/EUS-related AEs filed in Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency showed distinct features: duodenal perforation was the most frequent AE, and clinical outcomes were fatal, resulting in at least more than permanent physical impairment.