Drug Cuts Pancreatitis Risk after Procedure

A cheap, common drug may help prevent a risky condition that can occur after a procedure used to diagnose some digestive problems, a study finds. The procedure is called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ECRP). It uses a long tube attached to a camera. This scope allows a doctor to look at the gall bladder drainage system and pancreas. But some people develop pancreatitis afterward. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. It usually is treated in a hospital and can be deadly. The new study included 602 people who were going to have the scope procedure. All were at above-average risk of developing pancreatitis. They were randomly assigned to receive either indomethacin or a placebo (fake) after the procedure. This was given in the rectum. Indomethacin is a cheap, generic drug. It is used to reduce inflammation, such as in arthritis pain.