Randomized Trial of Aggressive Fluid Hydration to Prevent Post ERCP Pancreatitis

1. ERCP is a commonly performed endoscopic procedure used to treat stones and blockages of the bile duct as well as to manage leaks which occurs following laparoscopic gallbladder removal. 2. Post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) complicates 5-15% of biliary endoscopic procedures and results in considerable suffering and cost. 3. Patients with acute pancreatitis are treated with fluids. 4. Our aim is to assess whether prophylactic treatment with aggressive intravenous hydration prevents ERCP pancreatitis. 5. In a blinded fashion patients will be randomized to aggressive intravenous versus moderate hydration during and aftere ERCP for standard clinical indications. Our hypothesis is that prophylactic treatment with aggressive intravenous hydration protects against ERCP pancreatitis.