Analysis of risk factors and nursing care for nonspecific abdominal pain after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A case report.

Rationale: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic nasobiliary drainage is the standard treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Post-ERCP abdominal pain is typically linked to complications like pancreatitis, perforation, or cholangitis. However, cases of nonspecific abdominal pain caused by duodenal ulcers induced by the nasobiliary drainage tube after ERCP have not been reported to date, highlighting the novelty and clinical relevance of this case.

Patient Concerns: A 48-year-old male with a history of recurrent upper abdominal pain presented with persistent upper abdominal tenderness following ERCP for CBD stones. Despite normal blood amylase and lipase levels, the patient experienced ongoing discomfort, prompting further investigation.

Diagnoses: Preprocedure magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and upper abdominal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed stones in the lower CBD. Post-ERCP, follow-up gastroscopy revealed an ulcer in the duodenal descending segment, caused by incomplete displacement of the nasobiliary drainage tube.

Interventions: The patient underwent ERCP to clear the CBD stones, with placement of a nasobiliary drainage tube. After identifying the duodenal ulcer secondary to tube displacement, the nasobiliary drain was removed, and targeted treatment and care were administered.

Outcomes: Following removal of the displaced tube and appropriate management, the patient recovered rapidly and was discharged without further complications.

Lessons: This case emphasizes the need for careful placement and monitoring of nasobiliary drainage tubes during ERCP to prevent displacement-related complications like duodenal ulcers. For patients with persistent nonspecific post-ERCP abdominal pain, gastroscopy is critical for differential diagnosis, as severe ulcers may lead to perforation. Clinicians and nurses should enhance their understanding of proper tube positioning and postprocedure assessment to improve patient outcomes.