Does a pancreatic stent prevent inflammation after a difficult bile duct procedure?

During an endoscopic procedure called ERCP, doctors sometimes need to make an opening in the pancreas to reach the bile duct. This can cause inflammation of the pancreas as a side effect. This trial is testing whether placing a small protective tube (called a pancreatic stent) can reduce the risk of this painful inflammation. Half of participants will receive the stent placement and half will not, to see which approach is safer.

Pancreatic inflammation is a common and sometimes serious complication after these procedures. Researchers want to know if the protective stent can reliably prevent this complication and improve safety for patients who need difficult bile duct treatments.