Prior Gastrointestinal Infections Dramatically Increase Risk of Post-ERCP Infections

Patients with prior gastrointestinal infections face a significantly elevated risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) biliary tract infections (PEBTI). In a cohort study of 1,507 individuals, the incidence was 5.4% among those with prior infections versus 4.2% without. After adjusting for confounders, the hazard ratio rose sharply to 2.71, underscoring the need for enhanced prophylactic measures tailored to this vulnerable group. Robust findings emphasize the importance of addressing preoperative gastrointestinal colonization.